Kohli's Test Exit Shocks Cricket World; New ODI Focus Fuels 2027 World Cup Dream at 37

Virat Kohli, the batting titan, shocked the cricket world in May 2025 by officially retiring from Test cricket. This massive decision, coming right after his final appearance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has everyone asking: what’s next for King Kohli, especially with the 2027 World Cup looming?

Key Takeaways

Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025 after the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Former CSK coach Andy Bichel believes this exit offers Kohli a “focus point” for his 50-over game.
Kohli, who turned 37 in November 2025, aims for the 2027 ODI World Cup despite age concerns.
He recently scored an unbeaten 74* in October 2025 against Australia, bouncing back from two ducks.
Steve Waugh emphasized players are “not irreplaceable”, challenging veteran star management.

Shockwaves After Kohli’s Test Exit: Can His New ODI Focus Land Him in the 2027 World Cup Squad at 37?

The Unforeseen Retirement and a New Focus

Yeah, it happened. Virat Kohli, who you always saw dominating red-ball cricket, officially stepped away from Test matches in May 2025. His final Test was during the intense 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. But honestly, this wasn’t just a quiet exit.

Former Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Andy Bichel sees a silver lining here. He stated that “dropping out of Test cricket gives him a focus point” to concentrate purely on his 50-over game. That’s a huge claim, right? It could mean a completely revitalized Kohli for ODIs.

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Bouncing Back: Australia Series and Age Scrutiny

Look, the pressure’s on. In October 2025, Kohli played a three-match ODI series against Australia. He had two consecutive ducks, which, let’s be real, fueled some serious chatter. But then, he shut everyone up with an unbeaten 74* in the final game.

But here’s the thing: age. Kohli turned 37 in November 2025. And Rohit Sharma? He’ll be 40 by the 2027 World Cup. Concerns about their age and continued inclusion are definitely under scrutiny. Can they maintain the form and fitness needed at that level?

Expert Analysis: “Game Moves On”

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh didn’t mince words. He emphasized that “the game moves on” and players, even iconic ones like Kohli, are “not irreplaceable.” This highlights a massive challenge for selectors trying to balance veteran stars with emerging talent.

Bichel, meanwhile, drew comparisons between Kohli and legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting. He noted their similar energetic playing style and incredible batting prowess. So, while some see an ending, others see a powerful shift in focus.

Social Media Storm: Fans Divided

The internet, as always, exploded. After his Test retirement, social media was a frenzy. Hashtags like #KingKohli and #CricketFuture trended globally. Fans were divided: some celebrated his Test career, others worried about his ODI consistency after those ducks against Australia, then rejoiced at his 74* comeback.

But honestly, the conversation about the 2027 World Cup is constant. Every innings, every run, every duck gets scrutinized. You can feel the anticipation from millions, all wondering if this focused Kohli can defy age and make it to the next big tournament.

What’s Next for King Kohli?

So, what does this mean for his path to the 2027 World Cup? Kohli is exclusively active in the ODI format now, having also retired from T20 Internationals after India’s 2024 T20I World Cup victory. This singular focus could be his biggest asset.

He’s scheduled to play in an ODI series at home against South Africa in November-December 2025, and three ODIs against New Zealand in January 2026. Then there’s the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December 2025. Kohli might need to show commitment to domestic cricket too, just to solidify that World Cup spot.

Virat Kohli’s journey is far from over. His decision to focus solely on ODIs, as Bichel suggests, could indeed give him that crucial “focus point” needed for 2027. Despite the age questions and Steve Waugh’s blunt reminder that “the game moves on,” Kohli’s recent 74* proves he’s got fire left.

Will his single-format dedication transform him into an unstoppable force for the 2027 World Cup? Or will selectors heed Waugh’s words? What do YOU think about Kohli’s chances?

Kohli’s Test Exit Shocks Cricket World; New ODI Focus Fuels 2027 World Cup Dream at 37

Shockwaves After Kohli’s Test Exit: Can His New ODI Focus Land Him in the 2027 World Cup Squad at 37?