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Speculation has been swirling around Virat Kohli’s cricketing future, but the former India captain may have just given fans a reassuring sign. On Friday, Kohli posted a photo of himself back in training, accompanied by Gujarat Titans assistant coach Naeem Amin, thanking him for “helping out with the hit.” While the post was brief, it came as a much-needed update from the veteran cricketer whose recent silence and greying appearance had fueled rumours of an impending full retirement from the sport.
This quiet Instagram story — featuring Kohli smiling alongside Amin in an indoor facility — has sparked widespread conversation, not just about his fitness and intentions, but also about what lies ahead for one of India’s greatest-ever batters. With Kohli and fellow veteran Rohit Sharma having already announced their retirement from T20Is and Test cricket, the ODI format remains their only active international commitment, and even that is under growing scrutiny.
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The Photo That Sparked Relief
Kohli’s story was posted on Instagram late Friday afternoon. Much of the speculation around Kohli’s retirement stems from the series of career decisions he’s made in the past 18 months. The accompanying caption read:
The simplicity of the post stood in contrast to the storm of speculation that has been swirling for weeks. Ever since Kohli appeared on social media last month with visibly greying hair, many fans began interpreting it as a possible signal of retirement. While hair colour alone is hardly a declaration of career decisions, Kohli’s continued absence from the cricketing spotlight had only amplified the guessing game.
This training update — subtle but powerful — sends a message: Kohli is still working, still preparing, and not done yet.
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Retirement Talk: Where Did It All Start?
Much of the speculation around Kohli’s retirement stems from the series of career decisions he’s made in the past 18 months. After playing a vital role in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, Kohli announced his retirement from T20 Internationals on a high, alongside Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. The trio lifted the trophy in Barbados — India’s first ICC title since 2013 — and walked away as champions.
Rohit and Kohli then turned their attention to Test cricket, but their days in whites were numbered. Rohit announced his Test retirement during the 2024 IPL, citing the physical demands of the format. Kohli followed shortly after, ending a red-ball career that saw him play 123 Tests over 14 years, scoring over 8,500 runs and leading India in 68 of those matches.
Since then, the only international format left for either player is the One Day Internationals (ODIs). And with no bilateral ODI series scheduled until India’s tour of Australia and South Africa later this year, Kohli’s inactivity has fed into the rumour mill.
Much of the speculation around Kohli’s-retirement-stems-from-the-series-of-career-decisions-he’s-made-in-the-past-18-months
“I Just Coloured My Beard”
In July, while accompanying the Indian team on their England Test tour — reportedly as a guest and mentor — Kohli addressed some of the chatter in a light-hearted manner.
The joke, though self-deprecating, hinted at awareness of the conversation swirling around him. While fans appreciated the honesty and humour, the lack of confirmation on his ODI plans kept the uncertainty alive.
India’s ODI Plans: Do Kohli and Rohit Fit In?
As of now, both Kohli and Rohit remain available for ODIs, but their place in the team isn’t guaranteed. The Indian selectors are reportedly evaluating the long-term roadmap with an eye on the 2027 World Cup, which could favor younger players.
The team hasn’t played an ODI since the World Cup 2023 final, and no major 50-over series is scheduled until late 2025, when India travel to Australia and South Africa. In the meantime, the management is testing new combinations in T20Is and grooming fresh faces for the future in all formats.
Despite their elite pedigree, Kohli and Rohit’s long absence from international cricket and even domestic fixtures — other than the IPL — has led to questions about match-readiness and form.
The training session with Naeem Amin may be a sign that Kohli is preparing for that return, especially if he is looking to be part of the team that travels Down Under at year-end.
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Gujarat Titans Connection: Coincidence or Something More?
While it might seem trivial, the fact that Kohli was spotted training with Gujarat Titans assistant coach Naeem Amin has intrigued observers.
Kohli is not associated with GT in the IPL — he remains the talisman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) — but the presence of Amin could suggest a mutual respect or perhaps informal collaboration during the off-season. Kohli has often trained with professionals across franchises during breaks, especially when Indian support staff are unavailable or out of season.
It’s unclear whether this session was a one-off or part of a structured fitness and batting regimen ahead of a possible ODI return. However, it affirms that Kohli hasn’t lost his hunger to train, even in the absence of immediate international fixtures.
The Bigger Picture: A Legend at the Crossroads
At 36, Virat Kohli finds himself in a position few Indian cricketers have navigated. He’s already cemented his legacy:
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Over 25,000 international runs
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70+ centuries across formats
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A transformative Test captain
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A T20 World Cup winner
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One of the fittest players in the modern game
Yet, with younger stars like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh stepping up, and with the 2027 World Cup still two years away, selectors face a tough call. Do they build a transition now or stick with the veterans who have consistently delivered under pressure?
Kohli, for his part, has never been one to walk away quietly. While he has adapted his game to new roles, he has also been vocal about not overstaying his welcome. His performance in IPL 2024 — where he scored 652 runs at an average of 54.3 — showed he remains more than capable of performing at the highest level.
Fan Reactions: Relief, Support, and Hope
Kohli’s training photo was widely shared and celebrated by fans. Comments ranged from:
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“King is not done yet.”
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“He’s coming back for one last dance.”
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“Please don’t retire now!”
Many believe Kohli has at least one more ICC event in him, with the Champions Trophy 2026 and World Cup 2027 looming on the calendar. Others are content to see him go out on his terms, ideally on a high, just as he did in the T20 format.
What’s Next for Kohli?
India’s next ODI series is not until December 2025, with tours to Australia and South Africa scheduled. That leaves ample time for both Kohli and selectors to decide on his future role.
In the meantime, Kohli is likely to feature in:
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IPL 2025 pre-season training
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Potential India A or exhibition matches
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Domestic fitness programs
Whether he’s planning a full-fledged return or simply maintaining his touch for IPL and occasional ODIs, one thing is clear — he’s not stepping away just yet.
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Conclusion: Not Done Yet
In an era of loud exits and dramatic announcements, Virat Kohli’s quiet return to the nets speaks volumes. It’s a reminder that greatness doesn’t always need to be declared — sometimes, it’s found in action, in a simple photo, in a post-training smile.
For fans, this training session may have been just a glimpse. But for Kohli, it could be the beginning of another chapter in a career that continues to defy timelines, expectations, and retirement chatter.
Until he officially says goodbye, the King is still in play.
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