Is Kohli Back in India to Join the ODI Squad for the Australia Tour?
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Synopsis
Indian cricket sensation Virat Kohli returns to India after four months abroad, preparing to join the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia. With a new captain at the helm, will Kohli's performance influence his future in cricket? Find out more about this crucial tour.
Key Takeaways
- Kohli's return marks an important moment for the Indian team.
- Shubman Gill's leadership will be crucial for the upcoming series.
- The ODI series is a test for Kohli and Rohit's future in cricket.
- India aims to improve on their previous performance in Australia.
- The series will impact selections for future tournaments.
New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has made his return to India on Tuesday after spending four months overseas, just in time for the national team's departure for the highly anticipated ODI series against Australia, which kicks off this Sunday.
After concluding IPL 2025, where Kohli secured his first title with Royal Challengers Bangalore, he traveled to London with his wife, Anushka Sharma, and their two children. Kohli is set to rejoin the squad in Delhi before they head to Perth on Wednesday.
Having retired from Test and T20 formats, Kohli has been included in India's ODI roster for the upcoming matches against Australia. This will be his first time donning the India jersey since the Champions Trophy victory in March of this year. He will be playing under the new ODI captain, Shubman Gill, who takes over from Rohit Sharma.
Interestingly, Rohit has also stepped back from Test and T20 formats but is making a comeback to the national team after a six-month hiatus for the ODI series in Australia.
The white-ball tour of Australia will commence with the first ODI on October 19 at Perth Stadium, followed by matches at Adelaide Oval and the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 23 and 25, respectively. A five-match T20I series will follow, starting on October 29.
The last time India engaged in a bilateral ODI series in Australia was during the 2020–21 season, where they lost 2–1 but managed to win the T20I series by the same score.
With the ODI World Cup still two years away and the recent performances of Kohli, 36, and Sharma, 38, falling short of their usual high standards, their future remains uncertain. Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes the upcoming ODI series in Australia will serve as a crucial test for both Kohli and Sharma, emphasizing that the veteran pair needs a standout series to secure their places for the 2027 World Cup.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the significance of Virat Kohli's return to the national team. His experience and skill set are invaluable for India, particularly with the challenges ahead. Focusing on performance metrics and team dynamics will be essential as we look to strengthen our position in international cricket.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Virat Kohli return to India?
Virat Kohli returned to India to join the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of Australia after spending four months abroad.
When does the ODI series against Australia start?
The ODI series against Australia begins on October 19 at Perth Stadium.
Who is the new captain of the ODI team?
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new captain of the ODI team, replacing Rohit Sharma.
How long has Kohli been away from playing for India?
Kohli has not played for India since the Champions Trophy victory in March earlier this year.
What are the upcoming matches in this series?
Following the first ODI, matches will take place at Adelaide Oval on October 23 and Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, with a T20I series beginning on October 29.
