With more than 9,000 runs in ODI Cricket followed by more than 14,000 ODI runs in ODI Cricket and he has already accumulated more than 80 centuries in all formats of the game Virat Kohli is possibly one of the greatest player to grace this sport.
He was recently sitting in the stands along with wife Anushka Sharma to watch Novak Djokovic match which later won, the moment camera panned towards Kohli the moment became viral and absolute gold for Indian Cricket fans.
Kohli with his supreme fitness should have continued playing Test Cricket, his retirement few months back have shocked entire cricketing community who thought man could have easily played for 2 more years.
With one more format to go for possibly one of the greatest ODI batter of all time, it would be interesting to see whether he will finish his career in ODI Cricket with winning 2027 ODI World Cup or not.
Kohli was also interviewed at Wimbledon where variety of questions was asked to him in which he said as Tennis post league stage every match is winning zone thing and the amount of pressure these players go through is immense which is similar to cricket when we are playing ICC and ACC events whenever qualifier comes up, and if that must win game is against Pakistan probably you can understand the pressure in the middle where you legs are shivering.
He also talked about his familiar exchange with Novak Djokovic, and wants him to play final against Alcarez which he wants Djokovic to win and possibly that win would end all debates around who is the greatest tennis player of all time.
“I think the experience (in pressure situations) can be similar. But the intimidation factor and the pressure that would replicate for us in a World Cup game, a World Cup match between India and Pakistan or a semifinal or a final of the World Cup, your legs are shivering because of sheer pressure,” Kohli said during interview with Star Sports.
“But these players might be facing that from the quarterfinal onwards to the final, which I think is a lot of pressure to handle. I have a lot of respect for tennis players for playing with that composure and maintaining that level of fitness and mental toughness,” He added.
“I have been in touch with Novak (Djokovic) for a while now. We have exchanged a few messages and he has been gracious and kind to stay in touch.” Kohli also said his dream final would be between Djokovic and Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion here.
“I want Carlos (Alcaraz) and Novak in the final and probably Novak win the title because that would be tremendous for him at this stage of his career, and the whole conversation of being the greatest of all time, maximum number of Grand Slams and he deserves it,” He concluded.
Kohli as player have already achieved several things in cricket which include- Reaching in World Test Championship final twice, Winning Under 19 world cup, Winning 2013 Champions Trophy, Winning 2024 T20 World Cup and Winning Champions Trophy 2025.
If his Cricketing journey ends with victory with 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup, it would come complete circle for any player.
Kohli return in Indian Cricket would come in ODI Series against Australia in October where he is most likely to get facilitated with Rohit Sharma as they both might be travelling Australia for one last time.
Indian Cricket team post retirement from Kohli and Sharma is possibly the biggest void left to be filled, looking at the current Men in Blue performance in 2nd test against England it seems that they are heading in the right direction.
