New Delhi: Star England all-rounder David Willey, who is representing defending champions Dubai Capitals in the ongoing ILT20 opened up about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future. The duo currently rule the ODI ranking at No.1 and No.2 respectively. Willey also shared his thoughts on whether they should be included in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Willey retired from international cricket in 2023 after the England’s campaign came to an end. His retirement was largely influenced by the England Cricket Board’s (ECB) decision to leave him out of the 2023-24 central contract list. He played his final match for England against Pakistan in the World cup where he also completed 100 international wickets. However, he continues to feature in franchise leagues worldwide.
In an exclusive interview with India.com from Dubai during the ILT20 2025 tournament, when asked about Rohit-Kohli’s ODI future, Willey they must continue if they’re scoring runs, “If they’re performing in scoring runs and winning games of cricket, then they carry on playing.”
Willey on Virat Kohli’s 100 century possibility
Willey also shed some lights on the much-talked about question among fans about whether Virat Kohli will reach 100 centuries, “16’s a lot of centuries. Look, I think it’d be magnificent if he got there. Realistically, will he? I don’t know whether he will, but he’s obviously a phenomenal player. And, you know, I’ve no doubt that if he had the hunger and desire to still play all formats, you know, he’d probably get there if he wanted to stick it out.”
After losing their first two matches in the ILT20, Dubai Capitals made an impressive comeback with an 83-run win against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
Willey who picked up 2 wickets in the match against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders reflected on the atmosphere within the Dubai Capitals camp, sharing insights on the current team environment and whether it influences performances on the field and said, “The environment is good. I think a lot of people have got a lot of experience in coming into franchise teams now. Obviously, it’s a bit of a new look to what they had last year in this group.So, you know, it has taken a couple of games for us to probably find the balance of the side that is best. You know, that third game, you know, we performed well. So, you know, there’s definitely a direct correlation to what the environment is like to the performance on field.”
Willey also spoke about his experience across various franchise leagues
Willey also spoke about his experience across various franchise leagues, reflecting on which tournament has challenged him the most. “I think they all present different challenges, you know. I wouldn’t say there’s any one that’s, you know, challenged me the most. I think you find throughout a competition and, you know, in different countries, you come across different challenges and that can be on and off the field. So, you know, I think with that, you have to navigate different challenges. And that’s the beauty of franchise cricket around the world.”
Willey, who won the Player of the Match award in his final game for England, also opened up about one special moment that will remain etched in his heart forever.
“I think my journey from that 16 World Cup to being left out of the 19 World Cup in England to then get back into the side to go to the World Cup in Australia, the T20 World Cup, which they won, to have my family come and be on the field and have the kids running up to the Barmy Army at the MCG was pretty special. So, you know, they’ve been a big part of my journey and support network and, you know, they kind of live and breathe it with me as well. So to have that experience and have them there, you know, is something that I’ll cherish forever.”