Former RCB cricketer questions need for Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket after New Zealand series

Virat Kohli scored 280 runs in three match ODI series against New Zealand, including a 108-ball 124-run knock in the last ODI. In his last nine cricketing outings, the chase master scored 74*, 135, 102, 65*, 131, 77, 93, 23 and 124.

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Virat Kohli reacts as he runs between the wickets during the third one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and New Zealand

Virat Kohli reacts as he runs between the wickets during the third one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and New Zealand

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Virat Kohli scored 280 runs in three ODIs against New Zealand.

Virat Kohli smashed his 85th international century in 3rd ODI vs NZ.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif lavished praise on Virat Kohli after the batting great smashed his 85th international century in the third ODI against New Zealand. Kohli's century came in a losing cause, but the chase master remained steady on the crease despite India's batting collapse in the series decider at Holkar Stadium in Indore. 

Mohammad Kaif on Virat Kohli's consistency

As Kohli has moved to London along with his family and only comes to play for India and in the IPL. There were talks about his consistency since he already retired from Tests and T20Is, but Kohli impressed everyone with his performance in the ODIs. Kaif stated that Kohli has become a player who comes, scores run,s and goes back to London. 

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"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 to play for the country, his knowledge of the game, and his own. preparation. He has proved it," he said on his YouTube channel.

ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane offers piece of advice to struggling Suryakumar Yadav ahead of T20I series vs New Zealand

Kaif's domestic cricket suggestion for Kohli

Kaif also believes that Kohli doesn't need to play domestic cricket, considering his passion for the game. Kohli recently featured for Delhi in their two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, where he smashed a century, and Delhi won both matches. 

"There is no need for him to play domestic now. Anyone can get match practice, but the passion he has, it 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 in front of him, too," he added.

Virat Kohli's upcoming outing

Kohli will now be seen featuring in the Indian Premier League. The 37-year-old will hope to defend the title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The batting superstar will be seen featuring in Indian jersey in the ODI assignment is against Afghanistan, which is expected to visit India for a three-match series in June, according to the Future Tours Program for 2023-27. However, a schedule has not been confirmed.

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