After months of well-deserved rest and family time in London, cricket’s former king Virat Kohli has quietly returned to practice, sparking excitement among fans worldwide. The 36-year-old legend’s comeback signals serious intent for his final chapter – the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
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Quick Facts: Virat Kohli’s Cricket Comeback
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Last Competitive Match | IPL 2025 Final vs Punjab Kings |
| Training Location | Mighty Willow Academy, London |
| Coach | Naeem Amin (Gujarat Titans assistant) |
| Next Series | Australia ODIs (October 2025) |
| Current Formats | ODI only (retired from T20I & Test) |
| Target | 2027 World Cup, South Africa |
| Age by WC2027 | Will be “pushing 40” |
The London Connection: Where Dreams Restart
In true Kohli fashion, his return to cricket wasn’t announced with fanfare but discovered through a heartfelt Instagram story. Training at the Mighty Willow Academy in London, Kohli worked with Naeem Amin, the Gujarat Titans assistant coach who also has experience with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
“Thanks for helping out with the hit brother. Always lovely to see you,” Kohli wrote, sharing a photo that sent cricket Twitter into overdrive. It’s the same understated elegance that has defined his career – letting his bat do the talking while maintaining genuine humility with those who help him excel.
The Final Redemption Arc
What makes this comeback fascinating isn’t just the return itself, but the context. Kohli has streamlined his cricket to one format – ODIs – creating a laser focus that could define his legacy’s final chapter. Having retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup triumph and Tests earlier this year, he’s betting everything on the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
At nearly 40, most athletes would be winding down. But fitness has never been Kohli’s concern – his dedication to physical conditioning is legendary. With 27 ODIs scheduled before the World Cup, fans will have plenty of opportunities to witness greatness before he potentially calls it quits.
What’s Next for the Chase Master?
Kohli’s immediate focus is the October ODI series against Australia, after the Bangladesh series was postponed to September 2026. This timing actually works in his favor, allowing more preparation time while maintaining match sharpness through carefully selected series.
His partnership with coaching staff like Amin shows he’s leaving nothing to chance. The BCCI has always supported his selective approach, recognizing that a focused Kohli in ODIs is more valuable than a stretched Kohli across formats.
The beauty of this comeback story lies in its simplicity. No grand pronouncements, no media circus – just a champion preparing for his final dance on cricket’s biggest stage.
Virat Kohli’s quiet return to practice in London signals serious World Cup 2027 intent, with the ODI specialist now fully focused on one final shot at cricket immortality.
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