The 37-year-old, who retired from Twenty20 Internationals after India’s 2024 World Cup triumph and stepped away from Test cricket last year, remains active only in the ODI format.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by his Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kohli said he would not seek selection unless he and the team management believed he could continue adding value.

“If I can add value to the environment that I’m a part of and the environment feels like I can add value, I’ll be seen,” Kohli said.

Kohli added that he approaches every match with maximum intensity, saying he prepares to field “every ball like it’s the last ball” of his career.

The former India captain played 13 ODIs last year, scoring 651 runs, and returned to IPL action after last representing India in January. He has already scored one century during the current IPL season.

Kohli, one of the most prolific ODI batters in cricket history, has amassed 14,797 runs in 311 one-day internationals at an average of 58.71. Only Sachin Tendulkar has scored more ODI runs, with 18,426.

Now in his 17th year in international cricket, Kohli has continued to face scrutiny over his consistency despite strong performances against South Africa and New Zealand following a difficult series against Australia last year.

Reflecting on criticism surrounding his performances, Kohli questioned fluctuating assessments of his role within the team environment.

“Either tell me on day one I’m not good enough or I’m not needed,” he said. “Or if you’ve said I’m good enough and you say we’re not even thinking otherwise, then be quiet.”

The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November next year.

Bengaluru overhauled 147 in just 15.1 overs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with Kohli anchoring the innings with a composed 49 despite not being fully fit. He shared a steady partnership with captain Rajat Patidar, putting the hosts firmly in control early in the chase.

Put in to bat, Lucknow struggled to gain momentum and were restricted to 146 after a sluggish start. Dar was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 4-24 to dismantle the middle order, supported by Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya.

Lucknow’s innings was disrupted when captain Rishabh Pant retired hurt after being struck on the elbow by a rising delivery from Hazlewood. Mitchell Marsh top-scored with 40, while Ayush Badoni (38) and Mukul Choudhary (39) added late runs.

In reply, Bengaluru raced to 60-1 in the powerplay, with Kohli setting the tone before Patidar and a quick cameo from Jitesh Sharma helped seal the chase comfortably.

Kohli, who did not field after being introduced as an impact player due to a knee issue, said he was still recovering from injury but satisfied with his contribution.

Bengaluru moved level on points with Rajasthan Royals at the top of the standings, edging ahead on net run rate.Bengaluru next face Delhi Capitals, while Lucknow take on Punjab Kings.

Chasing a target of 202, the 15-year-old reached a half-century in just 15 balls, hitting eight fours and seven sixes as Rajasthan overhauled the total with two overs to spare. His aggressive innings set the foundation for a comfortable chase despite a brief middle-order wobble.

Sooryavanshi, who scored a 35-ball century in his debut season last year, has quickly emerged as one of the standout performers this season. He has amassed 200 runs in four innings at a strike rate exceeding 260, topping the run charts early in the campaign.

Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel played a supporting role with an unbeaten 81 off 43 balls, anchoring the innings after Rajasthan slipped from 129-1 to 134-4. The pair’s 108-run partnership proved decisive in the chase.

Sooryavanshi earlier dominated top bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah and continued his attacking approach against Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood, striking multiple boundaries early in his innings.

Spinner Krunal Pandya briefly slowed Rajasthan’s momentum by removing Sooryavanshi and triggering a collapse, but Jurel ensured there were no further setbacks.

The win keeps Rajasthan Royals unbeaten at the top of the standings, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru remain in third place.

Bengaluru— Virat Kohli signalled that a scaled-back international workload has not diminished his competitive edge, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad with an unbeaten 69 in the opening match of the Indian Premier League season.

The 37-year-old has reduced his commitments in recent years, retiring from Twenty20 Internationals after India’s 2024 World Cup victory and stepping away from Test cricket following a 123-match career.

One-day internationals remain his only international format, a shift that reflects both workload management and a longer-term effort to sustain performance levels.

Kohli featured in 13 ODIs last year, scoring 651 runs, before returning to franchise cricket after his last appearance for India in January.

His innings in Bengaluru demonstrated continuity rather than decline, combining controlled strokeplay with situational awareness during a measured chase.

Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar described Kohli’s role as central to the team’s chasing strategy, underlining his consistency in high-pressure situations. Speaking after the match, Patidar said Kohli’s reading of the game and shot selection remain defining attributes, adding that his current form reflects both physical readiness and sustained motivation.

Patidar also pointed to Kohli’s preparation in training sessions, noting that his intensity and intent have remained unchanged despite the reduction in international fixtures.

The captain’s remarks indicate that Kohli continues to function as a senior figure within the squad, contributing both through performance and experience.

Kohli’s innings concluded with the winning runs, prompting vocal support from a capacity crowd. The reception highlighted his enduring popularity within the league and among Bengaluru supporters, even as his international appearances become less frequent.

Kohli attributed his recent form in part to the decision to limit his playing commitments, citing the cumulative demands of more than a decade of continuous international cricket. He said the schedule over the past 15 years carried a risk of burnout, and that periodic breaks have allowed him to maintain mental freshness.

The adjustment aligns with a broader trend among senior cricketers seeking to extend their careers by prioritising specific formats.

In Kohli’s case, the move has narrowed his focus while preserving his ability to contribute decisively in both international one-day matches and domestic franchise tournaments.

His performance in the season opener suggests that the recalibration has not disrupted rhythm or competitiveness. Instead, it reflects a strategic approach to workload that balances longevity with output, particularly in high-visibility tournaments such as the IPL.

The fixture also carried symbolic significance for Bengaluru, following a fatal stampede outside the stadium during last year’s maiden IPL title celebrations that resulted in 11 deaths. The franchise marked the occasion with a series of tributes, including leaving 11 seats vacant in the stands, wearing number 11 during the warm-up, and donning black armbands throughout the match.

A minute’s silence was observed before play began, acknowledging those who lost their lives. Patidar said the victims were regarded as part of the extended team community, noting their longstanding support for the franchise.

The commemorative gestures added a solemn dimension to the opening match, contrasting with the celebratory atmosphere typically associated with the start of a new IPL season.

The victory, while significant on the field, unfolded within a broader context of remembrance and institutional acknowledgment of the previous year’s events.

Kohli’s performance, anchored in composure and experience, provided a focal point for the contest, reinforcing his continued relevance within the league despite a changing international role.