After nearly five months away from the game, Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has finally shared details about his time off and his much-awaited comeback to international cricket. Having stepped away from Test and T20 formats, the star batter is now entirely focused on One Day Internationals. His last appearance for India came during the ICC Champions Trophy, and since then, he has been on an extended break following his IPL 2025 triumph with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
During his hiatus, Kohli moved to London, spending meaningful time with his family before rejoining Team India ahead of their ODI series against Australia. Speaking on JioHotstar, Kohli reflected on how the time away from cricket allowed him to reconnect with life beyond the field. “Since retiring from Test cricket, it’s been a long break. I’ve just been catching up on life, spending quality time with my kids and family at home. It’s been a beautiful phase, something I’ve truly enjoyed,” he shared.
Now set to make his return in the first ODI against Australia, Kohli is excited about playing once again in one of his favorite cricketing nations. Known for his remarkable performances on Australian soil, he has scored over 1,300 runs in 29 matches across formats, consistently excelling against their top bowling line-up.
Speaking about his fondness for Australia, Kohli said, “It’s always special to come back here. I’ve had so many intense cricket battles over the years, but through those experiences, I earned respect by playing hard and fair. Perth especially holds wonderful memories — the atmosphere is relaxed, and the wickets offer great pace and bounce, which I love as a batter.”
As India prepares to face Australia in Perth, Kohli’s comeback adds both experience and intensity to the squad. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see him back in action, ready to continue his legacy as one of the most consistent and passionate cricketers of his generation.