'Virat Kohli urged to move on from Test debacle and focus on Champions Trophy'

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif expressed confidence in Virat Kohli bouncing back and delivering a strong performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Dubai, despite his recent struggles in red-ball cricket. Kohli faced difficulties in maintaining consistency with the bat against teams like Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. His weakness in facing deliveries on the outside off stump was evident, especially during the series against Australia, where he was often caught edging the ball behind to the wicketkeeper or slip cordon. Kaif believes that Kohli has the ability to overcome these challenges and shine in the upcoming tournament.

Kaif pointed out Kohli's incredible record in the 50-over format and advised him to forget what happened in the Test season and look to contribute to the upcoming Champions Trophy.

"Virat Kohli never accepts defeat and always makes a comeback. Don’t write him off in white ball cricket, the picture is far from over because he has 50 ODI tons to his name and nearly 13,000 runs in ODIs. So, forget what happened in Tests," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kohli had an extraordinary 2023 ODI World Cup, where he broke several records during his stellar 765-run campaign 95.62 average.

Kaif further recalled Kohli's T20I century against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022.

"He plays differently in white ball. The last time Virat Kohli played in Dubai, he scored an unbeaten 122 off 61 balls against Afghanistan and smashed six sixes in his innings. His form was excellent and he loves playing in Dubai so, I expect him to do well with the bat in the Champions Trophy," he added.

The former India cricketer said that if Kohli starts the tournament on a positive note, then there will be no stopping him after that.

If he scores well in the opening game, then he will keep scoring runs, I can take that guarantee. Virat Kohli white ball me ek betaaj badshah hai (Virat Kohli is an uncrowned king in white ball cricket). The era has not ended, it will continue," he added.

Virat Kohli Kohli to play Ranji Trophy

Meanwhile, Kohli is set to play his first Ranji Trophy game since 2012 after making himself available for Delhi's tie against Railways scheduled here from January 30.

Kohli could not make it for Delhi's upcoming away clash against Saurashtra, beginning on January 23, due to a neck sprain but he has communicated to DDCA that he is available for the team's last league match of the Ranji Trophy.

Stay informed with the latest updates on live cricket score, cricket players, match schedules and ICC rankings. Keep an eye on your favourite cricket team, including the stellar performances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Check out the cricket schedule, WTC 2025 Points Table track team standings and dive into player stats and rankings on Crickit powered by Hindustan Times website and app. .freemium-card h4{color:#fff; padding-bottom:20px;} .freemium-card .freemium-content .subcTxt{padding-bottom:16px; color:#fff;} .freemium-card .freemium-content{width: auto; max-width: inherit;} .freemium-card .freemium-content .subcTxt{max-width:inherit; font-size:18px; padding-top:0; line-height:24px} .freemium-card .btnSubc{margin} .freemium-card .btnSubc a{background:#000; color:#fff; min-width:auto; padding:5px 15px; border-radius:6px; font-size:16px; line-height:22px; font-weight:700;} .freemium-card{height:285px} @media (max-width: 767px) { .freemium-card h4{font-size:28px} .freemium-card .freemium-content{max-width:360px; padding: 20px;} .freemium-card{height:303px; background-position: 100% 0; } }