"Question mark comes down to...": Kevin Pietersen discusses Virat Kohli's retirement
Published - 14 Feb 2025, 05:00 PM | Updated - 14 Feb 2025, 11:35 PM
Table of Contents
Virat Kohli's future in international cricket remains a topic of intense debate, but Kevin Pietersen said that there's only one person who has the clear answer, and that’s the batting icon himself. Kevin Pietersen has stressed that nobody can decide the fate of one of the greatest batters, Virat Kohli.
The dashing right-hander, who has been under scrutiny for his form recently, once again proved his class with a determined 52 off 55 balls in the third and final ODI against England. After missing the first match due to a knee issue and scoring just five runs in the second ODI, Kohli stepped up and reminded everyone why he remains one of the best batters in the final game.
Kevin Pietersen hails Virat Kohli’s aura, says he can only decide his future
After India’s 3-0 ODI series win over England, Kevin Pietersen dismissed any talk of Virat Kohli's decline while highlighting the unmatched aura he brings every time he walks onto the field.
The former England cricketer mentioned that Kohli has been written off too many times by the critics and former cricketers, but only to be silenced by his brilliant batting performances, as the legendary batter continues to prove why he belongs to the epic league of cricketers.
Kevin Pietersen said on Star Sports: “He is one of the greats of the game. There have been too many people who have written him off on too many occasions. You can't write these guys off because of the aura they have when they walk out to bat. The question mark comes down to Virat Kohli.”
Kohli’s hunger will define his future: Pietersen
According to the cricket pundit, neither selectors, coaches, nor experts can decide Kohli’s future in international cricket, but it is the former Indian skipper who will decide how long he wants to continue and whether he still has the hunger to meet the sky-high expectations that come with his name.
Pietersen further noted, “The question mark doesn't come down to me, you, the selectors, the coaches, and the other players. Virat Kohli can only answer the question in terms of how long he wants to continue and how much fight he has to get better and to create those high standards that everybody expects from him.”
Read Also: Babar Azam destroys Virat Kohli's record, becomes fastest Asian in history to...
Virat Kohli batted opposite to his usual style against spin: Sanjay Bangar
During the same discussion, former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar hailed Kohli’s comeback fifty in Ahmedabad. He highlighted the Indian star’s strong rhythm and smart approach at the crease. Early in the innings, Kohli took his time, carefully leaving deliveries when two slips and two gullies were placed. As he settled in, he unleashed his trademark cover drives.
Sanjay Bangar said on Star Sports, “He looked in good rhythm. He batted opposite to his usual style against spin. He played many sweep shots. We got to see drives in his traditional fashion and even a six down the ground. We got to see his wristwork and footwork as the innings progressed. These are great signs for the Indian team. He will play the first match of the Champions Trophy after a good innings.”
