Ab de Villiers Suggests Virat Kohli May Consider ODI Retirement if India Wins World Cup
Former Proteas captain Ab de Villiers has suggested that if India wins the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, Virat Kohli might consider retiring from ODI cricket to focus on Tests and IPL.
In a surprising turn of events, former South African cricket captain Ab de Villiers has hinted that the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup could be the perfect swansong for Indian cricket maestro Virat Kohli if India secures victory in the tournament, set to commence next month. Kohli’s illustrious One Day International (ODI) career has been nothing short of legendary, but De Villiers believes that a World Cup triumph might be the ideal time for him to contemplate stepping away from the format.
Virat Kohli, who has been a batting sensation since the inception of his career, reached the pinnacle of the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen in 2013, a testament to his extraordinary skills at the crease. As of 2023, Kohli continues to be regarded as one of the world’s finest batsmen, boasting an impressive batting average.
In his 281 ODI appearances, Kohli has amassed an impressive total of 13,083 runs at an astonishing average of 57.38, further solidifying his status as a cricketing giant. His tally of 47 ODI centuries is just two shy of Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary record. In the year 2023, the 34-year-old cricketer has amassed 612 runs in 16 matches at an average of 55.63, showcasing his enduring prowess.
In addition to his individual accomplishments, Kohli has earned a spot in the final 15-member Indian squad for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, which is scheduled to take place in India next month. The forthcoming tournament holds immense significance for Kohli, who has expressed his eagerness to compete, with hopes that it will elevate his cricketing career to new heights.
Ab de Villiers, speaking on his YouTube channel and as quoted by NDTV, expressed his reservations about Kohli’s future in ODI cricket, particularly in light of the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. While Kohli has shown a keen interest in playing in South Africa, De Villiers believes that it’s challenging to predict. De Villiers suggested, “Let’s focus on this one first; I think that’s what Virat Kohli would tell you. I think if they win this World Cup, it might not be a bad time to say, ‘Thank you very much. I am maybe just going to play Test cricket for the next few years and a little bit of IPL, enjoy the last bit of my career, have enough family time, and say goodbye to everyone.”
With the cricketing world eagerly anticipating the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli as he looks to add another feather to his cap. Whether this prestigious tournament will mark the end of his ODI journey remains a question that only time will answer.
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