"Don't think you can force him to go play Vijay Hazare Trophy" - Former RCB batter's stunning statement on Virat Kohli amid IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Mohammad Kaif made a stunning statement on Virat Kohli amid the ODI series between India and South Africa. Kaif claimed that Kohli could not be forced to play domestic cricket now in the white-ball format.

Recent reports claim that Virat Kohli will be seen playing the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, Kaif reckoned that Kohli put on a brilliant show in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. He highlighted how the veteran batter returned after a month-long gap but still scored a dazzling hundred. Moreover, Kohli was seen stepping out of the crease and hitting sixes of pacers in the powerplay.

Kaif expressed that there was no point in forcing Virat Kohli to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, given the way he batted. He also urged not to treat Kohli in the same manner as other players.

"In white-ball cricket, players do not have to make many changes. Kohli came after 35 days, and see how he played. He hit so many sixes as well. He showed he is the boss in this format. If he can bat like this and not look rusty and dominate bowlers after a gap, then I don't think you can force him to go play the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The quality is also not high there," he said on his YouTube channel.

"He can play if he wishes to; you have to leave it to him. You cannot tell him to do something; you can ask him. You should keep the door open for such special players, given the level he is at. He gave that example in Ranchi. Do not treat every player the same way," he added.

Kohli slammed 135 runs off just 120 balls. His stellar knock was laced with 11 fours and seven maximums. It was his 52nd ODI hundred, following which, he also broke Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most tons in a single format.

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Mohammad Kaif on how coaches should deal with special players like Virat Kohli

Mohammad Kaif also reflected on how big coaches would always ask players about their preferences rather than forcing things upon them. He added that these talks would happen in private, and coaches would try to get the best out of such players.

Kaif reckoned that a coach forcing things on players like Virat Kohli may not be the right thing to do. His comments could have come on the back of Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir backing BCCI's policy of players having to mandatorily play domestic cricket when not on national duty to be considered for selection.

"Big coaches always ask players what they want. Especially with such players, they ask them if they want to come for extra practice and then make arrangements if needed. And all this does not happen in public, these talks about behind the scenes. Big coaches prepare players like this to get the best out of them rather than force things upon them. This does not apply to Virat, and you have to understand that," Kaif said.

According to a Cricbuzz report, Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability to play the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. While it is unlikely that he would play all the matches, it remains to be seen how many games he would feature in.