Training mode on: Virat Kohli's picture from practice session sends fans into frenzy

Virat Kohli shares picture from latest practice session. (Photos: Instagram and ICC)

Virat Kohli isn't stepping away from cricket just yet — or so it seems. The Indian batting legend, who has been out of the spotlight for some time, recently offered a subtle sign of his return to international cricket, sparking joy among fans. Earlier in the day, a photo of Kohli surfaced online, showing a significant amount of grey in his beard, prompting concerns about a potential retirement from ODIs. Many fans feared that the end of his illustrious career might be near.

However, Kohli put those speculations to rest — at least for now — with a simple gesture on social media. He shared an Instagram story that hinted at a possible comeback, reassuring fans that he’s far from finished.

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The post featured a photo of Kohli alongside Gujarat Titans assistant coach Naeem Amin inside what appeared to be an indoor cricket facility. The surroundings suggested that Kohli, who hasn't featured in any matches since the end of IPL 2025, may have resumed training ahead of his expected return in October.

“Thanks for helping out with the hit, brother. Always lovely to see you,” Kohli captioned the photo.

What made it even more telling was Amin holding one of Kohli’s familiar MRF-branded bats, reinforcing the idea that the Indian stalwart is gearing up for a comeback.

Since the IPL, Kohli has kept a low profile. Apart from attending Wimbledon and appearing at a 'YouWeCan' charity event hosted by Yuvraj Singh in London, he’s mostly stayed out of the public eye. Other than a couple of posts on X commenting on India’s matches in Birmingham and at The Oval, Kohli has remained in what many described as “hibernation.”

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At 36, it’s clear that the bulk of Kohli’s career is behind him. When he announced his retirement from T20Is after India’s World Cup victory in the West Indies last year, it felt like a natural decision. But the real shock came on May 12, 2024, when Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket — a format he has always held close to his heart.

The recent viral image showing his greying beard only intensified fears of an imminent ODI retirement. Yet, fans will recall Kohli’s earlier remarks this year, where he identified the 2027 World Cup in South Africa as his “next big goal.”

WHAT. A. SHOT

Virat Kohli’s breathtaking six down the ground against Pakistan in the ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup 2022 is voted the @0xFanCraze Greatest Moment

Details  https://t.co/p3jT1zP7l7 pic.twitter.com/GYq5mXAm6w

— ICC (@ICC) June 1, 2024

Reaching that goal, though, won’t be easy. A PTI report citing a BCCI insider noted that neither Kohli nor Rohit Sharma are guaranteed selections for the 2027 World Cup squad, as both players will be nearing 40 by then. According to the report, the BCCI is planning an “honest and professional” conversation with both veterans regarding their future in Indian cricket.

Between now and the end of 2026, India are scheduled to play 27 ODIs — with more matches to follow in 2027. For Kohli to stay in the mix and remain in contention for the World Cup, he’ll likely need to feature in most, if not all, of those games to maintain his fitness, form, and status as an indispensable part of India’s 50-over plans.