Kohli mania is about to sweep through England as one of cricket's all-time greats prepares for his swansong on British soil. Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, returns to action next Tuesday in a series that promises to be a thrilling encounter between two top-class teams. But this isn't just another ODI series – it may well be your last chance to see this incredible player in action in England.
At 37 and still going strong, Kohli has been gradually winding down his international commitments. He's hung up his T20 boots since 2024 and stepped away from Test cricket last year. Instead, he's chosen to focus on the IPL and ODIs – formats where his dominance is simply unmatched. Just ask anyone who's watched him plunder an astonishing 54 centuries in ODI cricket!
But it's not just Kohli's cricket that's making headlines this summer. His personal life is also getting a major overhaul, as he and wife Anushka Sharma relocate their young family to London. It's a bid for some respite from the intense scrutiny they face back in India – though, as we've seen with recent paparazzi snaps of Kohli meeting England debutant Jordan Cox over coffee, anonymity remains a distant dream.
Cox, who plays under Kohli's captaincy at RCB, has offered a fascinating glimpse into the challenges his boss faces. 'It can be tough to keep things private,' Cox revealed. 'Even a quiet cuppa in London ended up with us being photographed by some keen-eyed paparazzi!' Despite this constant attention, Kohli is still widely respected for being a supportive and generous leader – as Cox discovered firsthand during their time together in the IPL.
Kohli's made the most of his extra time in London by using Lord's facilities to hone his skills. The Marylebone Cricket Club has been accommodating, with India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate helping him fine-tune his technique. It seems to be paying off – Kohli's scored three centuries in his last six ODIs and shows no signs of slowing down.
"Kohli's commitment and drive are simply unbeatable," says Mo Bobat, RCB's Director of Cricket and a former member of the England setup. "He's an inspiration to anyone who's ever laced up their cricket boots." With Kohli set to dazzle in this summer's ODI series, one thing's for sure – it won't be an easy ride for England!
Source: The Guardian