Virat Kohli, one of India’s premier batsmen, is at a pivotal point in his career following a series of underwhelming performances in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The 36-year-old’s vulnerability to deliveries outside the off-stump has been notably exploited, leading to discussions about his preparation for the forthcoming Test series against England in June 2025.
A potential solution for Kohli is to participate in County cricket, which would allow him to acclimate to English conditions and refine his technique against the swinging ball. However, this plan encounters a significant hurdle: the overlap between the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs and the County Championship schedule.
The IPL 2025 season is set to conclude with the final on May 25, while the County Championship’s initial rounds commence in early April. If Kohli’s franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), advances to the playoffs, his availability for County matches would be severely limited. This overlap poses a dilemma, as Kohli’s role in RCB is pivotal, both as a leading batsman and potentially as captain. His absence during the crucial playoff stage could impact the team’s performance, making it unlikely for RCB to release him for County commitments.
Moreover, the timing of the County Championship’s rounds does not align favorably with Kohli’s schedule. The first eight rounds of the County Championship coincide with the IPL season, and the ninth round begins on June 22, just two days after India’s first Test against England on June 20. This tight schedule leaves little room for Kohli to participate in County cricket without compromising his commitments to the national team or the IPL.
Former cricketers and analysts have emphasized the importance of red-ball preparation in English conditions to address Kohli’s technical issues. However, the scheduling conflict presents a substantial challenge. While some players have opted out of franchise tournaments to focus on Test cricket—such as Australian captain Pat Cummins, who skipped the IPL to prepare for international fixtures—Kohli’s situation is complicated by his integral role in RCB and the commercial and competitive significance of the IPL.
In conclusion, while a stint in County cricket could be beneficial for Virat Kohli’s preparation ahead of the England Test series, the overlapping schedules of the IPL and the County Championship, along with his commitments to RCB, make such an endeavor highly challenging. Balancing franchise responsibilities with the need for red-ball practice in English conditions remains a complex issue for the Indian stalwart as he seeks to regain form and contribute significantly to India’s success in the upcoming series.
