Virat Kohli is back in blue after a seven-month break, and, true to form, he’s managed to grab headlines before even facing a ball. The Indian cricket team, featuring Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and led by Shubman Gill, landed in Perth early Thursday after a four-hour flight delay from Delhi and an unscheduled stopover in Singapore. The squad arrived around 4 AM IST, gearing up for their three-match ODI series against Australia, which kicks off on October 19 and continues through Adelaide and Sydney.
But it wasn’t just the team’s arrival that had fans buzzing—it was Kohli’s cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter) that sent speculation into overdrive. Hours after touchdown, Kohli shared, “The only time you truly fail, is when you decide to give up.” That simple line had multiple layers for fans and pundits alike. Was the 35-year-old batting maestro hinting at retirement? Or was it a rallying cry, a defiant message to doubters questioning his place in India’s 50-over future?
Kohli’s Message and the World Cup 2027
Sources close to the proceedings have told NDTV that Kohli’s post was a direct response to swirling rumors about his ODI career, especially with the 2027 World Cup looming. Within hours, social media was ablaze with theories. Some claimed the post was a motivational nudge; others argued it was Kohli’s way of declaring he’s not stepping aside yet. Dinesh Karthik even revealed on Instagram that Kohli’s number one priority is playing in the ODI World Cup 2027, and he’s been training rigorously in London during his break—putting in two to three intense cricket practice sessions each week.
However, in a twist that only Kohli could deliver, he soon clarified that the viral message was part of an advertisement for the fashion brand Wrogn, which he co-founded. That didn’t stop fans from reading between the lines, with some calling it a “quiet message of defiance” and others simply dubbing him “King Kohli” for his relentless spirit.
What’s at Stake in Australia?
While the BCCI has stayed silent on Kohli’s long-term ODI role, this series against Australia could set the tone for India’s 50-over plans. With selectors reportedly eyeing the future, performances from senior pros like Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be under the microscope. As the countdown to the first ODI in Perth continues, one thing’s clear: Kohli, whether through cryptic posts or cover drives, isn’t ready to give up just yet.
