England coach Brendon McCullum is rooting for Virat Kohli in the ODI series vs India

Brendon McCullum may be plotting England’s downfall against India in the upcoming ODI series, but the former New Zealand captain admits he still wants Virat Kohli to flourish.

Days after resigned as England Test head coach after a four-year stint, McCullum paid glowing tribute to the Indian batting great, describing him as one of cricket’s all-time greats.

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed earlier this week that McCullum would continue in charge of the white balls after England’s disappointing run in Tests, which included defeats in the Ashes and against New Zealand.

Speaking to the ECB ahead of the three-match ODI series, McCullum reflected on Kohli’s extraordinary impact on the game and revealed he still hopes the Indian star will score big.

“That’s a tough question because we’re talking about one of the best players in the game,” McCullum said.

“I had the privilege of sharing the dressing room with Virat for a year at Royal Challengers Bengaluru and spending time with him.

Virat Kohli x Brendon McCullum

Our head coach with the white ball pays tribute to a true legend of the game — England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 13, 2026

RCB CONNECTION MCCULLUM AND KOHLI

McCullum and Kohli were teammates at Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the 2018 IPL season when the former New Zealand captain spent his final year in the tournament before retiring from all forms of cricket. Kohli captained the franchise while McCullum appeared in six matches and scored 127 runs.

The pair developed a strong bond during their time together and McCullum’s admiration for Kohli only grew over the years. Despite now occupying opposite camps in international cricket, the England coach did not hesitate to praise the former Indian captain.

“He is fiercely competitive and leaves absolutely nothing on the field. He plays with all his heart and is an extraordinary cricketer,” McCullum said.

“He inspired a whole generation to fall in love with cricket and he transcended the sport. He became a global superstar, someone recognized not just in cricket or in India, but around the world and in many other sports as well.”

HIS LEGACY LIVES ON

Kohli heads into the ODI series as one of India’s most experienced players alongside Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. While England swept the recent T20I series 4-0 to regain the No.1 position in the format, India will welcome back some senior stars for the 50-over stage.

For McCullum Kohli, influence goes far beyond statistics and trophies. The 44-year-old believes the Indian icon’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations long after his retirement.

“When his playing days eventually come to an end, his legacy will live on long after he retires. But for now, I’d like to see him run a lot in this series. He’s a real competitor and an absolute champion,” McCullum added.

McCullum’s remarks underscore the respect Kohli commands across the cricketing world – even from the coach who is preparing him for the high-profile bilateral series.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

Jul 14, 2026 11:09 AM IST