“Virat Kohli is going to play IPL only” - Ex-Indian all-rounder makes a startling revelation on Indian talismanic batter

Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has stated that the Indian talismanic batter Virat Kohli’s biggest challenge is to keep himself fit by playing only the One Day Internationals and IPL.

It’s worth noting that Kohli has retired from the longest and shortest format of the game in international cricket. Speaking exclusively to RevSportz, Irfan stated that one dayers have taken a back seat with T20Is taking over.

"Talking about these professional cricketers, whose only focus is to play cricket for now, the biggest challenge for them would be playing regularly and staying fit. Virat is going to play IPL only, and then whenever there is first-class cricket, but just to play and not to prove anything. So, continuing the game time will not be an easy task. T20 has taken over and one-dayers have taken a backseat, so a number of matches has gotten changed in both," Pathan said to Revsportz.

Moreover, Pathan asserted that he recently had a discussion with Rohit Sharma, who is very keen about his fitness. Moreover, he also stated that seamer Mohammed Shami is also keen to play the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.

"World Cup 2027 won’t be a challenge if continuity of the game time is handled. Unfortunately, there will be pressure on them. I’ve spoken to Rohit Sharma and he’s very keen about fitness. Then Virat, I am sure is very keen as well with the way he has been seen practising in England. I have also seen a statement from Mohammed Shami which says that he’s very very keen too," he added.

"I hope that the communication has been very clear. Knowing Gautam (Gambhir) and Ajit (Agarkar), I think they will make it very clear in terms of communication. Having game time regularly will keep away all sorts of challenges. If you’re talking about 2027, that challenge will be there because they’re not playing for India currently. After, say, three games against Australia and IPL, if there is a big gap, then the continuity breaks," he concluded.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!