Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has voiced his concerns over Virat Kohli’s recent form, suggesting that the star batter needs more match practice to regain his trademark fluency and rhythm. Kohli, who made his return to international cricket after a seven-month break, has endured a tough time in the ongoing ODI series against Australia, suffering back-to-back ducks — the first time in his illustrious ODI career. Once known for his unmatched consistency, Kohli now finds himself in a phase where time in the middle has become his greatest need.
Reflecting on Kohli’s struggles, Kaif drew a comparison with Shreyas Iyer, who, despite not being part of India’s T20 setup, has managed to stay in touch through regular game time with India A. Kaif emphasised that staying mentally sharp and physically engaged is vital for senior players, especially after long international breaks.
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“I had a chat with Shreyas Iyer recently and asked him about his rhythm and preparation,” Mohammad Kaif revealed on his YouTube channel. “He told me that he focuses on knowing his game well and keeps himself mentally sorted. Playing in India A matches helped him maintain fluency and confidence. That’s exactly why I feel Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should consider playing in such games when they’re out of the main team setup.”
Kaif further noted that Iyer’s consistency stems from staying active. “Shreyas always looks in rhythm because he’s been playing continuously. Virat, on the other hand, looks a bit rusty right now, which is natural when you’re returning after a long gap,” Kaif added.
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Kohli’s consecutive dismissals have triggered discussions about his form with the 2027 ODI World Cup still on the horizon. However, Kaif remains optimistic that the veteran will soon find his touch. The upcoming third ODI in Sydney on October 25 offers Kohli the perfect platform to rediscover his groove. For India, already trailing 0-2 in the series, a Kohli comeback could not only inspire a win but also set the tone for a strong revival ahead of future assignments.
