Virat Kohli surpassed Ricky Ponting’s record in World Cup 2023 final. (Photo – AP)
New Delhi: Salman Butt, former Pakistan opener has opined that Virat Kohli can surely play even when he is 38 years old considering his exceptional fitness. He said this on his YouTube channel and held confidence in Kohli that he could participate in the next ODI World Cup in 2027. He commended Kohli’s fitness and determination despite reaching his mid-30s.
Butt had firm belief in India’s star batter who will be turning 39 in the year 2027 when the cricket-playing nations will enter another World Cup contest. He said that given Kohli’s top physical conditioning and his dedication, he can easily play for another four years leading to the next edition of the mega event which will be held in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Virat Kohli was up to heroics in the recently concluded ODI World Cup being the highest run-getter of the tournament amassing 765 runs in 11 innings with several records to his name. He overcame his idol Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 ODI centuries record which was the major highlight of his World Cup campaign. He also bagged the Player of the Tournament award. The entire cricket world lauds Kohli for keeping his fitness in check which has contributed to his success throughout all three formats.
Butt’s thoughts on Rohit Sharma’s T20I future
Salman Butt also included Rohit Sharma discussing his T20I future after there were speculations that it might be the end of his 20-over format career. Rohit hasn’t been a part of the Indian side since the semifinal loss against England in World Cup 2022. He suggested that Rohit should focus more on the longer formats but his major batting skills can make him thrive in all three formats.
Rohit also enjoyed a great batting run in the World Cup 2023 scoring 597 runs in 11 innings with a beaming strike rate of 125.94. He often provided powerful starts to his side easing it out for the middle order so that they can continue the game at their own pace. He also recorded the most sixes (31) by any player in a single edition of the World Cup. Several credited his captaincy as a selfless act focusing more on the team’s benefit rather than personal milestones.
