Kevin Pietersen backs Virat Kohli to decide his own future
What's the story
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen stated that only Virat Kohli can decide his international cricket future amid ongoing scrutiny over his form.
Despite recent struggles, Kohli delivered a crucial 52 off 55 balls in the final ODI against England.
He had missed the first match due to a knee issue and managed just five runs in the second.
While speaking on Star Sports, Pieterson hailed Kohli and stated, "He is one of the greats of the game."
Here's more.
Kohli's influence
Pietersen highlights Kohli's enduring impact and aura
Pietersen stressed on Kohli's impact and aura which would last forever.
"There have been too many people who have written him off on too many occasions. You can't write these guys off because of the aura they have when they walk out to bat," he stated.
Dismissing suggestions that others should decide Kohli's future in cricket, Pietersen said, "Virat Kohli can only answer the question, in terms of how long he wants to continue."
Resilience
Pietersen asserts Kohli's resilience amid career challenges
Pietersen further emphasized on Kohli's resilience, despite career challenges.
He also stressed that decisions regarding Kohli's career longevity are entirely up to him, not selectors, coaches, or other players.
He further added, "The question mark doesn't come down to me, you, the selectors, the coaches, and the other players. Virat Kohli can only answer the question."
This statement highlights the former English skipper's faith in Kohli's ability to bounce back from setbacks and carve his own future in cricket.
Fifty
Virat Kohli records first ODI fifty since 2023 WC final
Kohli showed his class in a patchy, yet meticulous knock, against England in the 3rd ODI in Ahmedabad.
Kohli added a century-plus stand with Shubman Gill after India lost Rohit Sharma early on.
However, the former's bid for an elusive century was cut short by Adil Rashid, who dismissed him for the 11th time across formats.
Kohli finally departed after scoring a 55-ball 52 (7 fours and 1 six).
ICC events
Most runs in white-ball ICC events
Overall, Kohli has batted 82 times in different ICC white-ball events, scoring a phenomenal 3,616 runs at 62.34 (100s: 5, 50s: 32).
His compatriot Rohit (3,276) is the only other batter with over 3,000 runs in this regard.
Though Kohli's form hasn't been great of late, his ability to shine in big stages means expectations are high from him.
Stats
14,000 ODI runs loading for Kohli
Kohli is currently the third-highest run-scorer in ODI cricket, with 13,963 runs at an incredible average of 57.93.
He is set to become the third player with 14,000 ODI runs, joining Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
While Kohli's tally of 50 tons in the format is the most for any batter, he also owns 73 fifties.
With 765 runs at 95.62, he was the highest run-getter in the preceding major ICC ODI event, the 2023 World Cup.
Career overview
A look at Kohli's overall cricketing career
The Indian batter has amassed a whopping 27,381 runs across all formats of cricket.
He has racked up 9,230 runs across 123 Tests, at 46.85 (100s: 30, 50s: 31).
Meanwhile, as mentioned he owns 13,963 ODI runs at 57.93 (50 tons, 73 fifties).
In T20Is he managed 4,188 runs in 117 innings with a strike rate of 137.04, including one ton and 38 fifties.
Notably, Kohli retired from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup.