Virat Kohli enjoyed a remarkable 2025, stamping his authority across formats and competitions. From international cricket to the IPL and a long-awaited return to domestic action, the former India captain was prolific wherever he played. Kohli finished the year with 651 runs in 13 ODIs at a staggering average of 65.10, including three centuries and four half-centuries.
The batting icon was equally influential in the IPL, where he amassed 657 runs in 15 matches to play a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru ending their long title drought. RCB clinched their maiden IPL trophy in the tournament’s 18th season, with Kohli at the heart of their historic triumph.
Domestic returns and ODIs shape Virat Kohli’s packed 2026 calendar
Kohli’s 2025 also marked a renewed connection with domestic cricket. In January, he featured in a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi—his first red-ball domestic appearance in over a decade. Just four months later, he stepped away from Test cricket, closing a legendary chapter. However, the year ended with another significant return as Kohli played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December, featuring in the List A tournament after a 15-year gap.
That domestic stint will extend into 2026 as well. Kohli is almost certain to turn out for Delhi in their penultimate Vijay Hazare Trophy league fixture against Railways on January 6, before linking up with the Indian team camp. It will be his first competitive appearance of the new year.
On the international front, Kohli is set for a busy ODI calendar in 2026. India begin the year with a three-match home ODI series against New Zealand from January 11 to 18. Following that, Kohli is expected to take a break from international cricket, with India not scheduled to play another ODI until June.
India will host Afghanistan for three ODIs in June after IPL 2026, followed by an away ODI series against England in July. Later in the year, Kohli is slated to feature in home ODIs against West Indies in October–November, before touring New Zealand for another three-match ODI series in November–December. Afghanistan will also tour India for a one-off Test alongside the ODI series, although Kohli’s involvement in the Test remains unlikely following his retirement from the format.
Virat Kohli’s ODI schedule in 2026
India vs New Zealand (home) – January
India vs Afghanistan (home) – June
India vs England (away) – July
India vs West Indies (home) – October–November
India vs New Zealand (away) – November–December
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