Former India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player Dinesh Karthik has stated that Virat Kohli is leaving no stone upturned to prepare for a comeback at the ODI World Cup 2027 tournament. Notably, the star batter, who is based in London, is maintaining peak fitness levels and is gearing up for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on Sunday, October 19.
The series will mark a return to the only format Kohli is playing after seven months. The 36-year-old was last seen in the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament in March.
Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane's bold message to Ajit Agarkar calls for selection committee shake-up
"He is keen to play the World Cup 2027. In London, he was training during this big lay-off that he has after a long time in his life. He was practicing cricket, having two to three sessions last week. He is serious about wanting to play the ODI World Cup 2027," Karthik shared in an Instagram video.
Notably, Kohli stands as India's highest run-getter in the 50-over format, amassing 14,181 runs across 302 matches and 290 innings. He has maintained a terrific average of 57.88, with a strike rate of 93, scoring 51 centuries and 74 fifties, with a highest score of 183. Known as a chase master in this format, the batter has also scored a record more than 7000 runs in run-chases. In ODIs in 2025, the 36-year-old has scored 275 runs in seven innings, averaging 45.83 with one ton against Pakistan coming in the Champions Trophy. Kohli had a good CT tournament, scoring 218 runs.
All eyes on Virat Kohli, as the icon makes a comeback against Australia
The three ODIs against Australia give Kohli a great chance to show he still is the King in this format. Against Aussies, the right-hand batter has a phenomenal record, with his last five innings reading 54, 56, 85, 54, & 84. Similarly, the RCB player's last five innings Down Under are also superb with scores of 104, 46, 21, 89, & 63.
The batter would be keen to extend the dominance against his favorite team and look to end his probably last series Down Under on a bright note.
Also Read:Â 'Why play him?': R Ashwin slams India's selection over this all-rounder's place in playing XI
