Virat Kohli should follow Shreyas Iyer and play India A games: Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has suggested that the Indian talismanic batter Virat Kohli play India A games to stay match fit and in rhythm ahead of taking up international opponents. 

Notably, Virat Kohli suffered two consecutive ducks in the three-match ODI series against Australia Down Under. While he bagged an eight-ball duck in the Perth ODI, he suffered a four-ball duck in the Adelaide game.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif explained how game time and mental readiness play a crucial role in maintaining a player’s form after a long layoff from the international arena. Interestingly, Rohit and Kohli made their international comeback for the first time since the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

"I had met Shreyas Iyer recently, and I asked him about his stance and rhythm. Since he is currently only playing ODIs after taking a break from red-ball cricket and not participating in T20Is, I wanted to understand how he still manages to play with such fluency. He is mentally sorted, knows his game inside out, and has fine-tuned his mind. He also played in the India A matches, and that's why I say Virat and Rohit should consider doing the same,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

"Iyer's fluency comes from staying active. He never looks out of touch, unlike Virat at the moment. Virat currently looks unsettled, whereas Iyer has been playing regularly, and it shows in his game,” he added. 

Interestingly, Iyer recently took a red-ball break for at least six months, citing his recent injury concern. However, he has been actively taking part in the 50-over format, while he doesn’t find a spot in the T20I side.

After the conclusion of the three-match ODI series, India will lock horns with Australia in a five-match T20I series.

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