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Mohammed Kaif praises Virat Kohli, highlighting his relaxed style and record-breaking run, because the cricket legend may proceed to play for India beyond the 2027 World Cup.
Virat Kohli smashed 93 off 91 balls (PTI)
Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has praised Indian batting icon Virat Kohli for his recent outstanding form in one-day international cricket, stating that Kohli plays the format as if it were a “Delhi local league.”
Kaif believes that if Kohli stays motivated, he could proceed playing for India for the following 5 – 6 years, beyond the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Kohli’s consistent performance continued as he scored his seventh successive fifty-plus rating, making 93 runs off 91 balls against Latest Zealand in the course of the first ODI at Vadodara on Sunday. With two more ODIs remaining, fans are hopeful he’ll achieve nine fifty-plus scores in a row, ideally with the following two being centuries.
Kohli has maintained his calculated and risk-free approach to ODI cricket, which has been his hallmark over time, while also taking additional risks, hitting more boundaries and sixes, and displaying a more free-flowing batting style.
What Did Mohammed Kaif Say?
Kaif posted on X, “Virat Kohli plays ODIs like he’s playing Delhi local league. Looks relaxed, jokes with mates, at all times has a smile on his face. Takes a tough take a look at bowlers, plays aggressively but shows patience. If he continues like this, stays motivated, he can keep playing for India for the following 5-6 years.”
Virat Kohli plays ODIs like he’s playing Delhi local league. Looks relaxed, jokes with mates, at all times has a smile on his face. Takes a tough take a look at bowlers, plays aggressively but shows patience. If he continues like this, stays motivated, he can keep playing for India for the…— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 12, 2026
After retiring from Test cricket in May, Kohli returned to Team India for the ODI leg of the Australia tour in October, having last played within the ICC Champions Trophy in March. Despite initial struggles with two successive geese and rusty movements, questions arose about his future within the format, especially considering the less ODIs leading as much as the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Nevertheless, starting with an unbeaten 74 in Sydney, Kohli has amassed 677 runs in seven innings at a mean of 135.4, including three centuries and 4 fifties. This run includes scores of 131 and 77 for Delhi within the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) after 15 years.
Within the previous ODI against Latest Zealand, Kohli also became the third player to achieve the 28,000-run mark in international cricket, surpassing Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (28,016) to turn out to be the second-highest run-getter in international cricket. Now, in 557 matches, Kohli has scored 28,068 runs at a mean of 52.66, with 84 centuries in 146 fifties.
(With inputs from Agencies)
January 12, 2026, 21:04 IST
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