Virat Kohli’s 300th ODI Arrives as England Tour Could Be His Last-McCullum Praises ‘Global Cricket Icon’

**Virat Kohli steps onto the Edgbaston pitch on Tuesday, July 16, 2026, for what may be his final England ODI series-and his 300th One-Day International.** England head coach Brendon McCullum, who once shared a dressing room with him in the IPL, hailed Kohli as a cricketer whose legacy will outlast his career, comparing his global appeal to that of a celebrity athlete.

The 38-year-old Kohli faces England in the series opener, a campaign that could mark his retirement from ODIs. McCullum, who coached England’s Test side before taking the ODI role, framed the moment as historic. “His legacy will outlive his career,” McCullum said in a video shared by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). “He’s inspired generations to love cricket-not just in India, but worldwide.”

McCullum, who played alongside Kohli for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2014, praised his relentless competitiveness. “He leaves nothing out on the field,” McCullum said. “He plays with all his heart.” Yet the former New Zealand captain couldn’t resist a jab: *“I’d still want him to make no runs in this series!”* he laughed, before quickly adding that Kohli’s impact as a champion is undeniable.

Kohli has just **one ODI century in England** but **12 half-centuries**-a tally that underscores his consistency. He needs **two more centuries in this series** to join Sachin Tendulkar’s elite club of 100 ODI hundreds. Separately, he’s **68 runs short** of surpassing Rahul Dravid as India’s all-time leading run-scorer in English conditions, a milestone that would cement his ODI legacy.

India arrive in England after a **4-0 T20I series whitewash**, a humbling defeat that has forced a reset. With Kohli and Rohit Sharma back in the ODI side, the team will look to reclaim momentum ahead of the **2027 ODI World Cup**. A strong start in this series could restore confidence, though England’s pace attack-led by Mark Wood and Jofra Archer-will test Kohli’s adaptability in the final phase of his career.

If Kohli retires after this tour, his 300th ODI will bookend a career defined by records, rivalries, and a fanbase that stretches beyond cricket. McCullum’s praise hints at a broader truth: Kohli’s influence has already transcended the game itself. For now, though, the focus remains on Edgbaston-where history, and possibly farewell, awaits.