“Virat Kohli’s runs and London return show he doesn’t need domestic cricket”: Former player

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif opined that Virat Kohli has transcended domestic cricket, with his hunger and passion for national duty remaining second to none. Kohli’s recent 240-run performance across three innings against New Zealand highlights his continued excellence.

He struck a superb 124 from 108 deliveries, featuring ten fours and three sixes, in the third ODI, though India fell short in the 337-run chase. After yet another prolific series, Mohammad Kaif praised the seasoned batter for his relentless consistency, despite not being a regular in the playing XI.

“Virat has become a rare player now. He shows up, scores runs, and then heads back to London. It has become a pattern for him. He scores, and leaves for London. It’s not easy to maintain consistency when you’re not playing regularly. But it’s his passion, his fitness, his pride in representing the country, his understanding of the game, and his preparation that make it possible. He has proven that,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kaif also pointed out that Kohli no longer needs to play domestic cricket, as players can find match practice in other formats, but his unparalleled passion for representing India at the highest level sets him apart.

“He no longer needs to play domestic cricket. While anyone can get match practice, the level of passion he brings is unmatched and irreplaceable. Where else can you find that? Even in the last game, he was the team’s hope. Virat has the ability to single-handedly overcome any challenge, even with 10 players standing against him,” he added.

Since his remarkable performance in the third ODI against Australia in Sydney in 2025, Kohli has been on fire, amassing 616 runs from his last seven innings, averaging 123.2 with a strike rate of 108.64, featuring three centuries and three half-centuries.

Kohli’s exceptional form has seen him return to the top of the ICC ODI rankings for the first time in four years. He will next be seen in action in July, when India face England in a three-match ODI series.