After the comments of the former head coach of India, there has been a new twist in the speculations about Virat Kohli’s ODI retirement.

WV Raman has hit out at Virat Kohli’s “critics” as the former India skipper continues to dominate the ODI format. After his match-winning innings of 93 in the opening match of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, Raman made a surprising statement on Virat Kohli’s future.

WV Raman has sent a clear message to Virat Kohli’s critics.

Despite retiring from Test and T20I cricket, the former Indian women’s head coach has stressed that Kohli is one of the most driven and self-aware cricketers of his generation. And Raman believes the Indian batting icon will keep playing as long as he enjoys the game and feels he can maintain the standards and legacy he has built over the years.

Kohli backed up that belief with another powerful performance against New Zealand, continuing his golden run in international cricket. He recorded his fifth consecutive 50+ score in ODIs. He missed a century, but his inning of 93 helped India take a 1–0 lead in the home series.

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Kohli’s brilliant form stops the noise of retirement

Kohli played the role of anchor brilliantly in India’s chase of the challenging target of 301 runs. He scored 93 runs in 91 balls with the help of eight fours and a six and ensured that India remained in control during the chase. Now, he will look to continue his fine form in Rajkot, where the second ODI is scheduled to be played against the Black Caps on January 14.

His form in ODIs has been consistent and impressive, with no signs of fatigue or loss of appetite. Impressed by his dominance since retiring from the Test and T20I formats, Raman points out how Kohli continues to silence the critics with every innings.

Kohli still hungry and in control: WV Raman explains why the end is not near

Cricket pundits believe that Kohli understands well what it takes to succeed at the highest level and he will step away from the game only when he feels the time is right.

WV Raman said on his YouTube channel, “Such cricketers generally take calls based on how they feel when they wake up on a fine morning. Virat Kohli will be no exception in that regard. He will continue as long as he is enjoying the game and scoring runs. And until he does justice to his reputation and his legacy that he has built over the years.”

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He further added, “Once again, he is clearly making it clear to his detractors that he will be there for some time and that he will leave the stage only when he sees fit. And that is absolutely right as he knows what it takes to remain at the top of the game at the international level.”

Kohli’s special milestone

Kohli achieved a major feat during his innings against New Zealand in Vadodara. During his innings, the swashbuckling right-handed batsman crossed the 28,000 international runs mark and became only the third player in history to do so. He is now behind only Sachin Tendulkar in this list.

Kohli has played 557 international matches so far and has scored 28,068 runs at an impressive average of 52.66. He also has 84 centuries and 146 half-centuries to his name across formats.