Back in action? Virat Kohli drops teasing hint about ODI comeback ahead of India’s high-stakes Australia series in October

Former India captain Virat Kohli, who has retired from T20Is and Tests to focus solely on ODIs, is preparing for the upcoming series against Australia in October following the postponement of the Bangladesh ODI series in August.

Kohli recently shared a glimpse of his preparations on Instagram, posting a photo from an indoor net session, his first public training since his last outing at the Champions Trophy. In the image, he was seen practising alongside Gujarat Titans’ assistant coach Naeem Amin.

“Thanks for helping out with the hit, brother. Always lovely to see you,” Kohli wrote alongside the post.


A fan page later reshared the picture, suggesting it was part of Kohli’s preparation for the Australian ODIs. The post received a like from Kohli’s official account, fuelling speculation about his readiness for the series.

Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to play pivotal roles in India’s ODI setup, even after stepping away from T20Is and Tests. Rohit remains the ODI captain, while Kohli retains his position as a central figure in the format.

The BCCI is, however, cautious about their long-term ODI futures, particularly with age becoming a factor. By the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 39.

Despite this, the duo’s combined ODI record, 83 centuries and over 25,000 runs, highlights their enduring value to the team. While India have transitioned away from relying on them in other formats, their impact in 50-over cricket remains significant.

The upcoming Australia series, scheduled from 19–25 October, will be India’s next ODI assignment, with both veterans expected to play crucial roles in the team’s campaign.

Inputs from TOI