Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Mohammad Kaif insisted Virat Kohli no longer needs to grind through domestic cricket to prove his worth, praising the superstar’s hunger and preparation after another prolific three-match series against New Zealand. Kohli amassed 240 runs in the series, including a brilliant 124 off 108 in the decider at Indore — a performance that showed why he remains India’s most dependable ODI batter.

Mohammad Kaif’s point was straightforward: Kohli’s professionalism, fitness and single-minded focus on the national cause make the domestic grind redundant for a player of his stature.

“He comes, scores and goes back to London,” Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel, noting how Kohli, despite limited appearances, arrives prepared and performs. That routine, Kaif argued, is not a weakness but evidence of elite-level preparation.

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The analyst added that modern players can sharpen their skills through targeted training and selective matches instead of week-in, week-out domestic fixtures. Kohli’s recent numbers support this view. Since his return to form after the third ODI vs Australia in Sydney in 2025, Kohli has accumulated 616 runs in seven innings at an average of 123.2 and a strike rate near 108, including three centuries and three fifties. His 54th ODI ton in the New Zealand series only reinforced his credentials.

Kaif also warned that insisting veterans must play domestic cricket to justify selection misunderstands athlete workload management and longevity. “Anyone can get match practice elsewhere, but the passion he brings for the country is unmatched,” he said, pointing to Kohli’s fitness regime and mental preparation as key differentiators.

Critics may lament periodic absences from domestic competitions, but Kaif urged perspective: performance and availability for India should trump checkbox participation. For selectors, he suggested, the practical equation is to pick on current form and readiness, not purely on domestic minutes.

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Kohli’s return to top ODI form has also propelled him back to No.1 in the ICC rankings after four years. Next on the calendar is a three-match ODI series against England in July — another stage where Kohli will be expected to lead India’s batting charge. Fans and experts will be watching closely.