After a seven-year hiatus from international cricket and a five-month break from all competitive games, Indian batting icon Virat Kohli is all set to make his highly anticipated return in the first One-Day International against Australia in Perth. Having stepped away from the Test and T20 formats, the veteran is now focusing solely on ODIs and last represented the nation during the victorious Champions Trophy campaign.
Kohli, who led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the IPL 2025 title, took an extended break after the tournament, relocating to London to spend quality time with his family before rejoining the squad for the flight to Australia.
“Beautiful Phase” Off-Field
Speaking to JioHotstar ahead of the series opener, the former captain opened up on his time away from the intense world of cricket, describing the past five months as a much-needed break to reconnect with his loved ones.
“Yeah, I mean, look, it’s been a long time off for me since I retired from Test Cricket,” Kohli said. “And yeah, as I was just saying, just catching up on life. You know, I haven’t been able to do anything for the last, I don’t know how many years, and yeah, just being able to spend some time, some quality time with your kids, with family at home. It’s been a beautiful, beautiful phase and something that I’ve really enjoyed.”
A Love Affair with Australia
Despite the lengthy absence from the international arena, the maestro’s enthusiasm for cricket, particularly in Australia, remains undimmed. Kohli has an outstanding record Down Under, having amassed a formidable 1,327 runs in 29 ODI matches, including five centuries.
Reflecting on his return to the continent, Kohli spoke of the special connection he shares with the country’s cricketing environment.
“It’s always lovely to be back in Australia. A place that I’ve really enjoyed my cricket in. Hard-fought cricket over so many years, so many battles… you gain the respect after a certain point of time and that’s what I experienced coming and playing here in this country,” he remarked.
He expressed a particular fondness for the venue for the first ODI. “Some good memories at this stadium. In Perth in general, I love coming to Perth. It’s a really nice place, really relaxed. Something that I really enjoy and yeah, beautiful wickets to bat on, some pace and bounce which I always enjoy.”
Kohli will be a key player as India, now led by Shubman Gill in the 50-over format, takes on a formidable Australian side in the three-match ODI series, which began today, Sunday, October 19.