NEW DELHI: Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen believes that only Virat Kohli can determine his future in international cricket, emphasising that the Indian batting great has repeatedly silenced his critics.
Kohli, who has faced scrutiny over his form in recent years, played a crucial knock of 52 off 55 balls in the final ODI against England after missing the first match due to a knee issue and scoring just five runs in the second game.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Speaking on Star Sports, Pietersen dismissed the notion that others should decide Kohli’s future, pointing out the impact and aura the former India captain carries when he walks out to bat.
“He is one of the greats of the game. There have been too many people who have written him off on too many occasions. You can’t write these guys off because of the aura they have when they walk out to bat. The question mark comes down to Virat Kohli,” he stated.
Pietersen further stressed that the decision about Kohli’s career longevity lies solely with the batter himself.
“The question mark doesn’t come down to me, you, the selectors, the coaches, and the other players. Virat Kohli can only answer the question, in terms of how long he wants to continue, and how much fight he has to get better and to create those high standards that everybody expects from him,” he added.
With Kohli’s ability to bounce back from setbacks well-documented, fans and experts alike will be keen to see how the modern-day legend shapes the next chapter of his illustrious career.