Aakash Chopra orders Virat Kohli to play all matches for India after his T20I retirement

Former Indian opening batter Aakash Chopra has urged ace batter Virat Kohli to participate in all three matches of the ODI series against Sri Lanka in away conditions. Aakash Chopra stated that the India national cricket team will not play for around 40 days after the conclusion of the ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli last played for the Men in Blue during the T20 World Cup 2024 final match in Barbados on June 29. Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is after the Indian team defeated South Africa by seven runs in a nail-biting encounter. He ended his T20I career with his first World Cup win in the shorter format.

There were rumors that the 35-year-old batter would take a break from the ODI series in Sri Lanka. However, new head coach Gautam Gambhir requested Kohli to make himself available for selection, considering the limited number of ODI matches for India before the Champions Trophy 2025 early next year.

Virat Kohli Should Play - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Virat Kohli should participate in all matches of the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Chopra said that Kohli should play and maintain his form with the next Test match scheduled for September 19.

"Without a doubt, you will see Virat Kohli at the number three. There is no doubt about it. And it should happen. Let him play. He should play. World Cup is over. It's been a month and a half. Play. Play. Because after this, there is no cricket for 45 days. This series will end on 9th. The next Test match is on 19th September. When you don't have to play for 40-50 days then whenever India is playing you should play. Kohli at 3," Chopra said (4:13).

Team India to Play Under Gautam Gambhir's Coaching

Virat Kohli will be aiming to demonstrate his continued prowess in ODIs despite retiring from T20Is. The right-handed batter enjoyed a stellar year in 2023, amassing 1,377 runs in 27 ODI matches. He also excelled in the ODI World Cup 2023, where he scored 765 runs and was named Man of the Tournament.

The three-match series marks Gautam Gambhir's first assignment during the 50-over format. The Indian team will play only one more ODI series before the Champions Trophy 2025. India will host England for three ODIs in February 2025. The team aims to be in good shape to secure the title in March 2025.

Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian team in a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. The first ODI match between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2.

Also read: Team India eyes a massive record during 1st ODI vs Sri Lanka; Set to become the first team to reach this milestone