‘He will be there to … ‘: Virat Kohli’s childhood coach makes bold prediction for 2027 ODI World Cup – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Following Virat Kohli’s surprising retirement from Test cricket, his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has praised the 36-yr-previous for a rare pink-ball profession and expressed hope that the batting icon will lead India to victory within the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.Kohli, who introduced the curtain down on a 14-yr Test profession simply weeks earlier than India’s WTC cycle begins with the England sequence, left a big legacy in whites. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Rajkumar Sharma, talking to ANI, stated Kohli’s absence from Test cricket will be felt deeply however saluted his contributions to Indian cricket.“I salute him for his tremendous contribution to Indian Cricket, and as a coach, I am proud of him for what he has done for the country and the example he has set for the youngsters. Emotionally, it hurts that we won’t be seeing him in whites again for the country,” stated Sharma. “ I appreciate and back his decision…Hopefully, he will be there to win the 2027 ODI World Cup for India and he will be 100 per cent committed to it.”ALSO READ: Virat Kohli’s Ranji coach drops bombshell on Test retirement: ‘He was getting ready for England tour’Kohli’s Test journey started in 2011 in opposition to the West Indies, and although his debut tour was forgettable, he quickly established himself as a pillar within the Indian batting lineup. His breakthrough got here in Adelaide in 2012 with a gritty 116, standing tall in a sequence the place legends faltered.From 2016 to 2019, Kohli loved a golden section, scoring 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at a median of 66.79. He additionally turned the one captain to hit seven double centuries in Test historical past.

Despite a dip in type within the 2020s, Kohli nonetheless delivered essential performances, together with a century in Perth final yr.

Kohli’s profession has been outlined by resilience — whether or not dominating tempo assaults in Australia, redeeming himself in England, or battling powerful spells in opposition to spin and seam. His ardour, self-discipline, and starvation for runs helped elevate the usual of Indian cricket on the worldwide stage.Though his whites are actually hung up, Kohli’s story isn’t over. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, followers and mentors like Sharma are hopeful that one closing chapter of glory awaits.