Virat Kohli's popular Independence Day message on social media for the Indian Armed Forces, in which he expresses that we smile in freedom because...
Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, is gearing up for the upcoming Australia tour in October 2025, with the series being seen as his next opportunity to prove his form and fitness for India in the ODI format. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a cautious stance, with selectors reportedly not seeing Kohli and Rohit Sharma as part of the ODI plans stretching up to 2027.
Kohli, who recently retired from T20Is and Test cricket, is focusing on ODIs and is committed to the next big white-ball ICC trophy that he has yet to win. The BCCI, however, is currently more concerned with preparations for the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, rather than the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
Speculation about Kohli and Rohit's international ODI future has increased, with reports suggesting they might retire after the Australia tour. Their participation in domestic List A cricket, such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy, might be required to remain eligible, which could influence their decisions.
Despite this, Kohli and some senior players have expressed their intent to train hard and target the 2027 World Cup. The Indian cricket team's younger generation is also being groomed actively for the future, adding competition for places.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli paid tribute to the Indian Armed Forces on social media for Independence Day. His Instagram post, an Instagram story, expressed appreciation and implied his return to training after a break. The caption read, "Today, we smile in freedom because they stood with unwavering courage. We salute and honor the sacrifices of our heroes on this joyous Independence Day. Proud to be Indian. Jai Hind."
The Independence Day celebrations in 2025 saw a unique spectacle as flower petals were showered from two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force during the celebrations. Wing Commander Vinay Poonia and Wing Commander Aditya Jaiswal piloted the aircraft carrying the national flag and the 'Operation Sindoor' flag. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolor at the Red Fort, assisted by Flying Officer Rashika Sharma.
Anil Kumble, the leading wicket-taker in India's international cricket history, also celebrated Independence Day, posting a message reflecting on its responsibilities. The theme for the 79th Independence Day celebrations was 'Naya Bharat,' reflecting the government's vision of achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
As the October 2025 Australia ODI series approaches, the next indication regarding Kohli's participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup will likely come after the series and subsequent decisions by Kohli and the selectors.
- Virat Kohli, despite recent retirements from T20Is and Test cricket, remains focused on the ODI format and aims to win the next big white-ball ICC trophy he has yet to capture.
- In addition to nurturing the younger generation, the Indian cricket team is currently structured in a way that adds competition for places, including for the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
- The BCCI, on the other hand, is more preoccupied with the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup preparations, rather than the 2027 ODI World Cup squad planning.
- The next hint about Virat Kohli's involvement in the 2027 ODI World Cup will become clear after the upcoming October 2025 Australia ODI series, as decisions made during and after the series could impact his participation.
