Mohammad Kaif Says Virat Kohli Can Continue for Another 5–6 Years

Mohammad Kaif believes Virat Kohli, with his current ODI form and mindset, could continue playing international cricket for another 5-6 years, even beyond the 2027 World Cup.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has expressed strong confidence in Virat Kohli. He suggested that Kohli could represent India for another 5-6 years. At 37, Kohli has already stepped away from T20Is and Tests.

Kohli’s recent numbers underline his consistency. He has crossed 50 in each of his last seven First-Class innings, including two matches for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the opening ODI against New Zealand, he won his 45th Player of the Match award as India secured a four-wicket win to go 1-0 up in the series. He fell seven runs short of his 54th ODI hundred but still guided the chase successfully.

With the 2027 World Cup approaching, Kohli will be nearly 40 if selected. However, Kaif believes Kohli’s form, fitness, and motivation could allow him to continue.

“Virat Kohli plays ODIs like he is playing the Delhi local league. Looks relaxed, jokes with mates, and always has a smile on his face. Takes a hard look at bowlers, plays aggressively but shows patience. If he continues like this, remains motivated, he can keep playing for India for the next 5-6 years,” Kaif wrote on X.

Notably, Shreyas Iyer had also lauded Virat Kohli after he produced another impactful ODI knock on Sunday. During the innings, Kohli became the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket, going past Kumar Sangakkara, and also reached the 28,000-run mark faster than anyone before him.

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Iyer, who added 77 runs with Kohli in a key partnership, highlighted Kohli’s consistency. He stressed that Virat Kohli’s approach continues to set standards.

“Whatever we talk about his innings, it would be less. We have been seeing it for so many years now; he has been doing it consistently. The way he rotates the strike, he takes on the bowlers. He basically walks the talk,” Iyer said in a video shared by BCCI.