Quick Summary
Virat Kohli has begun prepping for his ODI comeback with an indoor training session in London, thanking Gujarat Titans coach Naeem Amin for his support. Having retired from Tests and T20Is in 2024, Kohli’s next expected appearance is in India’s October ODI series against Australia. His return comes after helping RCB win their first IPL title earlier this year.
Why is Virat Kohli training in London?
Amid swirling speculation about his international future, former India captain Virat Kohli has kicked off preparations for his much-anticipated ODI comeback. After a hiatus from competitive cricket since the IPL 2025 final in May, Kohli was recently spotted training indoors in London. He shared a photo with Naeem Amin, Gujarat Titans assistant coach and founder of the Mighty Willow Academy, thanking him for the session.
“Thanks for helping out with the hit, brother. Always lovely to see you,” Kohli posted on Instagram, signaling the start of his return-to-cricket routine.
Naeem Amin, who previously worked with Sunrisers Hyderabad and now runs cricket academies across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and London, reposted the image with the message:
“Good to see you, brother! See you soon.”
The session signals that Virat Kohli is gradually shifting gears toward a focused white-ball comeback.
What’s next for Kohli in international cricket?
Kohli retired from Tests and T20Is in June 2024, marking the end of an era in Indian cricket. Since then, his focus has been squarely on ODIs and the IPL, where he continues to play a pivotal role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
His most recent outing was a match-winning 43-run knock in the IPL 2025 final, where RCB claimed their first-ever title by defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Now, all eyes are on India’s ODI tour of Australia in October 2025, which will be Kohli’s likely return to the international stage. The series details are as follows:
- 1st ODI: October 19 – Perth
- 2nd ODI: October 23 – Adelaide
- 3rd ODI: October 25 – Sydney
Alongside Rohit Sharma, Kohli is expected to provide experience and stability to a transitional Indian ODI squad as they prepare for the next ICC Champions Trophy in 2026.
Why the indoor session matters
While London isn’t typically the base for Indian cricketers training during the offseason, Kohli has frequently utilized overseas venues for focused sessions away from the media spotlight. The Mighty Willow Academy, under Amin’s guidance, has previously hosted stars like Hardik Pandya, giving Indian players access to high-quality infrastructure even when abroad.
For Kohli, training in a low-key environment helps avoid distraction and allows him to recalibrate before a major comeback, especially when questions are swirling about his form, future, and role in India’s evolving ODI setup.
Kohli’s current form and legacy
At 35 years old, Kohli remains one of the most technically gifted ODI batsmen in the world. His last full ODI series was during the 2023 World Cup, where he emerged as the Player of the Tournament, even as India fell short in the final.
Though his exit from Test and T20I formats has narrowed his cricketing focus, it also gives him more time to condition his body and mindset for 50-over cricket, where match tempo, shot selection, and experience often outweigh raw power.
Kohli’s return will also be crucial as the BCCI looks to rebuild a cohesive, senior-led squad to balance young talents like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
What fans can expect in Kohli’s ODI comeback
As Virat Kohli eyes a return in October, fans can expect:
- Structured buildup: Likely more practice sessions with trusted coaches like Naeem Amin
- Game-time preparation: Possible participation in domestic or warm-up matches ahead of the Australia tour
- Role clarity: Whether Virat Kohli will bat at No. 3 or shift lower down to accommodate newer players
- Fitness updates: Given his age, injury management will be a key factor
With less than 75 days to go, Kohli’s training in London is the first public step in what could be his final stretch in international cricket, focused entirely on ODIs.
