The cricketing world is abuzz with speculation about Virat Kohli's future in international cricket, and two prominent figures have thrown their weight behind the batting maestro continuing his ODI career until the 2027 World Cup.
Warner's Powerful Endorsement
Australian star opener David Warner delivered a resounding endorsement when questioned about Kohli's potential participation in the next ODI World Cup. "If you still got the hunger and the desire to keep playing, then why not?" Warner stated emphatically.
The veteran batsman, who recently retired from Test and ODI cricket himself, emphasized that age should not be a determining factor. "It's not about age, it's about how you are as a cricketer. If you are performing well, you can play till 40," Warner added, highlighting Kohli's exceptional fitness standards and consistent performance levels.
Shastri's Strategic Perspective
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri echoed similar sentiments, bringing his strategic insight to the discussion. Shastri emphasized that Kohli's experience and batting prowess would be invaluable assets for the Indian team in the 2027 tournament.
"When you have a player of Kohli's caliber, you don't look at his birth certificate," Shastri remarked. "You look at his fitness levels, his hunger for runs, and what he brings to the dressing room. If all these boxes are checked, he should definitely be in contention."
The Performance Argument
Both cricket experts pointed to Kohli's recent phenomenal form as the strongest argument for his continued inclusion. The Indian batting legend has been breaking records consistently and shows no signs of slowing down.
- Kohli recently became the first batsman to score 50 ODI centuries
- He maintains exceptional fitness standards comparable to players a decade younger
- His experience in pressure situations remains unmatched in world cricket
- He continues to be among the fittest players in the Indian squad
What This Means for Indian Cricket
The backing from international and domestic cricket authorities sends a strong message to the selection committee. It suggests that performance and passion should outweigh chronological age when building the team for future global tournaments.
As Warner perfectly summarized: "The decision ultimately lies with Virat and the Indian selectors, but if the hunger is still there, the cricketing world would love to see him continue."
The discussion has ignited passionate debates among cricket fans worldwide, with many hoping to see the modern batting great extend his illustrious career for another World Cup cycle.
