‘When his time is up…’: Brendon McCullum’s ‘legacy’ comment on Virat Kohli ahead of England ODI series | Cricket News

Virat Kohli is set to begin what could be his final ODI tour of England as India take on the hosts in the first ODI at Edgbaston on Tuesday. The match also marks a significant personal milestone for the batting great, who is set to play his 300th ODI for India.Ahead of the series opener, England head coach Brendon McCullum paid a glowing tribute to Kohli, describing him as one of cricket’s greatest ambassadors whose legacy will extend beyond his playing career.McCullum, who shared the Royal Challengers Bengaluru dressing room with Kohli during the IPL, reflected on the Indian star’s relentless competitiveness and global influence.“I had the privilege of playing with him for a year at RCB. I got to be with him in the dressing room, got to know him and enjoyed his company a lot. He is a very competitive person and leaves no one behind in the field. He plays with all his heart and is a great cricketer,” McCullum said in a video shared by ECB on X, ahead of the first ODI.“He inspired generations of people to love cricket. He was one of those players who excelled in the game. He became a true rockstar, not just in cricket or India, but in the whole world and in different sports. McCullum, however, finished with a smile, adding: “I still wish he didn’t run out in this series! But we wish him well. He is a fierce competitor and an absolute champion.”

Kohli is back in his favorite format

After missing the Afghanistan ODIs, Kohli returned to India’s ODI setup for the three-match series against England. The 37-year-old has an impressive record in England, having scored 581 runs in 16 ODIs at an average of 38.73, including a century and four fifties, with a highest score of 107. Kohli is also on the cusp of another big milestone. He needs 68 more runs to surpass Rahul Dravid and become India’s highest run-scorer in ODIs in England.

Fresh start for India after T20I disappointment

India head into the ODI series looking to bounce back after suffering a 4-0 defeat in the preceding T20I series. With the return of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the visitors will hope to make a strong start to their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.The first ODI will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, with the match scheduled to start at 3:30 PM IST (11:00 AM local time).