“He didn’t have any cricket from the IPL final” - Former KKR star’s massive statement on Virat Kohli after AUS vs IND 2025 ODIs

Former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin has lauded Virat Kohli for his hunger to play for India till the 2027 World Cup. The 48-year-old backed the legendary batter for his twin ducks in the first two ODIs in Australia while pointing out that he hadn’t played any competitive cricket since IPL 2025.

Haddin also credited Kohli for bouncing back strongly in the third ODI, scoring 74 runs off 81 balls to help India win the game by nine wickets. During his knock, the Delhi batter eclipsed Kumar Sangakkara for the second-most runs in ODIs.

The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicketkeeper said on Willow Talk Cricket Podcast:

“[Kohli] I think he’s still got the hunger to play till the World Cup, and you've got to remember he didn’t have any cricket from the IPL final. He went away, recharged, and as the tour went on, he was back to his old self in that last game.”

Haddin added that Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not retire in the immediate future:

“How good Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? I don’t think, I think it’s the last time we’re going to see them here, but I don’t see them retiring anytime soon.”

“The way he got that 100” – Brad Haddin in awe of Rohit Sharma

Brad Haddin further commended Rohit Sharma for his 33rd ODI century against Australia in the third ODI. The former wicketkeeper-batter stressed that the 38-year-old has worked on his fitness to make sure he is fit to represent India till the 2027 World Cup. He said in the same video:

“But, yeah, the old boys to me like Rohit Sharma, the way he got that 100 and the way he’s presented, he’s not doing all that work to drop that weight not to be available for the 2027 World Cup.”

Notably, Rohit Sharma won the Player of the Match award for scoring 202 runs in three ODIs at an average of 101. The swashbuckling batter scored an unbeaten 121 in the third game to help take the Men in Blue over the line. During his knock, Rohit also shared an unbeaten 168-run partnership with Virat Kohli for the second wicket. It was his sixth ton in Australia, the most by a visiting batter in ODIs.

Rohit and Kohli will next be seen in action during the three-match ODI series against South Africa, beginning in Ranchi on November 30.