Virat Kohli has quashed any concerns regarding his game time ahead of his return to the ODI format. The 36-year-old retired from Tests earlier this year. The IND vs AUS series marks his comeback into the Indian team. Kohli last played competitive cricket in the IPL and has since enjoyed a break from cricket in the UK.
‘Very refreshing time off’ Virat Kohli geared up for ODI return
Virat Kohli has no concerns about rustiness as he gears up for the IND vs AUS 1st ODI. Speaking to the broadcasters in the build up, the former India captain said he was refreshed after ‘no breaks’ in his career so far. Kohli reminded the viewers that he had played the most international matches since his debut.
“Well to be honest, the amount of cricket I’ve played over the last 15-20 years, I’ve actually not rested at all if that makes sense. I’ve probably played the most number of games in the last 15 years in international cricket, combining the IPL together as well. So for me, it was a very refreshing time off,” Kohli told Adam Gilchrist and Ravi Shastri on Fox Sports.
The IND vs AUS 1st ODI is his 551st game for India across formats. He has featured in over 200 IPL games, the last of which was RCB’s win in the IPL 2025 final.
“I’m feeling as fit if not fitter than I’ve ever been before and yeah you can just feel the freshness when you know you can play the game and mentally you know what to do out there it’s just the physical preparation that really needs to be taken care of,” Kohli added.
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