Mohammed Kaif Predicts Extended ODI Career For Virat Kohli Following 28,000-Run Milestone

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has lavished praise on Virat Kohli’s current form in ODI cricket, predicting that the 37-year-old batting icon could continue playing for India for another “5-6 years” if he remains motivated. Kaif made the bold assessment after Kohli’s fluent 93 off 91 balls in the first ODI against New Zealand on January 12, 2026, at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara, which helped India chase down 301 and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

In a post on X, Kaif described Kohli’s approach as relaxed and effortless, likening it to playing in a “Delhi local league.” He wrote, “Virat Kohli plays ODIs like he is playing in 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 and remains motivated, he can keep playing for India for the next 5-6 years.” Kaif highlighted Kohli’s blend of aggression and calculated patience, noting that the star batter has been taking more risks, hitting boundaries and sixes freely, while maintaining his trademark chanceless technique.

Kohli’s resurgence in ODIs has been remarkable. After retiring from Test cricket in May 2025 and returning to the format during the Australia tour in October, he endured a shaky start with two successive ducks. However, since scoring an unbeaten 74 in Sydney, Kohli has amassed 677 runs across seven ODI innings at an extraordinary average of 135.4, including three centuries and four fifties. This purple patch also encompasses his 131 and 77 for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy earlier this year, marking his return to domestic 50-over cricket after a 15-year gap.

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During the Vadodara innings, Kohli achieved another milestone by becoming the third player in history to surpass 28,000 international runs, overtaking Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (28,016) to become the second-highest run-getter of all time behind Sachin Tendulkar. In 557 matches across formats, he now has 28,068 runs at an average of 52.66, with 84 centuries and 146 half-centuries.

Kaif’s endorsement reflects growing confidence in Kohli’s longevity in the ODI format, especially with the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup on the horizon. Fans will be watching closely as Kohli aims to extend his streak of fifty-plus scores to nine consecutive innings in the remaining two matches of the New Zealand series, with hopes of adding centuries to his tally. Kohli’s current form, combined with his renewed enthusiasm, suggests he could remain a dominant force in Indian cricket well beyond the next global showpiece event.

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