According to reports, Indian star batter Virat Kohli is likely to feature in County Championship 2025 games ahead of the crucial five-match test series against England in June. This comes after Kohli’s lackluster form in the longest format, where he has failed to help the team’s cause.
Kohli’s struggles started in the home test series against New Zealand in October 2024. He could only score 93 runs in six innings at a disappointing average of 15.50, as the side sustained a 3-0 clean sweep defeat to the Black Caps side.
Thereafter, Virat Kohli returned with an impressive 100*-run knock in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia in Perth. However, Kohli fell victim to balls around the off-stump line, as he huffed and puffed to end with 190 runs in the series. His struggles played a part in the visitors losing the series 3-1 and Australia regaining the BGT after 10 years.
The reports claim that Kohli might reach England early after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) gets concluded on May 25 to feature in the County Championship. However, the catch is that the games in both Division One and Two aren’t scheduled during that period.
After the teams play a four-day game from May 23, the next fixture is set to be played on June 22. Interestingly, the first Test between India and England kicks off on June 20 in Headingley. So, in reality, it might not be possible for Virat Kohli to get a full hilt in County Cricket. However, if there are any Second XI games scheduled during the period, he might as well engage in those to get accustomed to the conditions.
A preparatory camp will be crucial for Kohli and other members of the Indian team, as they will be in a T20 mode after playing the IPL. It will be interesting to see if Kohli skips IPL playoffs (if Royal Challengers Bengaluru qualifies) or engages in practice matches ahead of the first Test.
Virat Kohli hasn’t given nod to leading RCB in IPL 2025
With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) releasing Faf du Plessis ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, there were speculations on who would lead the side. Although, the team has players like Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Phil Salt, who have little leadership experience, Virat Kohli is likely to lead the side. Kohli relinquished RCB’s captaincy ahead of the 2022 season, as du Plessis led the side in the last three seasons.
Amid rumors of Kohli returning as a leader, head coach Andy Flower stated that they haven’t had conversations with the 36-year-old on the matter. Here’s what he said to Sports Tak:
“Well, you’re going to have to wait for the outcome. It’s a new era that we are going into, the start of a three-year cycle and I am sure the anticipation will be good for you.”
“You can ask me as often as you like, but that communication has not happened yet,” the head coach added.
RCB qualified for the IPL 2024 playoffs after beating Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling contest. However, they lost to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator to bow out of the tournament. Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap with 741 runs in 15 games, with a top score of 113*.
