Cricket superstar Virat Kohli made a low-key return to India on Tuesday after spending four months abroad, as he prepares to rejoin the national team for their upcoming ODI series against Australia.
Quick Airport Exit
The former Indian captain was spotted at New Delhi airport but gave fans little opportunity for interaction. Kohli ignored selfie requests and quickly made his way to his car, demonstrating his focus on the upcoming tour. This marked his first return to India since departing for London with wife Anushka Sharma and their two children immediately after RCB’s historic IPL 2025 title victory.
Team Departure Details
The Indian cricket team is scheduled to depart for Australia in two separate batches on October 15th, with flights heading to Perth where the first ODI will take place on October 19th. The staggered departure is reportedly due to business-class ticket availability constraints.
Return to International Cricket
This Australia tour marks Kohli’s return to international cricket for the first time since the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Having retired from Test cricket in mid-May 2025, the 36-year-old veteran is now focusing exclusively on limited-overs formats.
Future Uncertainty
The tour comes amid speculation about Kohli’s future in international cricket. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s non-committal stance regarding both Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in 2027 ODI World Cup plans has intensified scrutiny on their performances.
However, new ODI captain Shubman Gill has publicly backed both veterans, stating the team “needs them” for the 2027 World Cup due to their experience and match-winning capabilities.
Domestic Cricket Return
To address selection committee concerns about form and fitness, both Kohli and Rohit are expected to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting December 24th. This would mark Kohli’s first domestic List A appearance in 15 years, while Rohit last played in 2018.
