IND vs NZ 2026: ‘Virat Kohli scores and returns to London, doesn’t need domestic cricket’ – Former India batter

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif opined that Virat Kohli doesn’t need to play domestic cricket, as his hunger and passion to represent his country and win matches remain unmatched. His comments came after the former India captain finished as the highest run-getter for India in their 1-2 series loss to New Zealand.

Kohli smashed a 91-ball 93 in the first game in Vadodara but got out cheaply in the second in Rajkot. In the series decider, Kohli amassed 124 off 108 balls, albeit in a losing cause.

Kaif admired Kohli’s ability to score runs consistently, despite playing international cricket after long breaks. India’s next ODI series is in June this year. Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20Is, has obviously not been in action for most parts of this season.

“Virat has become that player who is seen once in a while now. But he comes, scores runs, and then goes back to London. It has become like that. He comes, scores, and goes. It is not easy to score so consistently when you are not playing regularly. But it is his passion, his fitness, his pride in playing for the country, his knowledge of the game, and his own preparation. He has proved it,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kaif stressed that Kohli no longer needs to play domestic cricket, as he can prepare himself for international matches by other means.

“There is no need for him to play domestic cricket now. Anyone can get match practice, but the passion he has is not available in any market. Where will you get that from? Even in the last game, he was the hope. Virat will single-handedly win against 10 players standing in front of him too,” he added.

After a pulsating ODI series, India and New Zealand will now play five T20Is against each other. The first T20I is set to be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Wednesday, January 21.