Retired cricketers plying their trade in T20 leagues might be a global trend right now but India captain Virat Kohli says he wouldn’t even be “seen around the scene” the day he announces his retirement.
Responding to a query on whether he would consider playing in Big Bash league (BBL) after retiring or if the BCCI lifts the bar on its players, Kohli said he would certainly not be around for such a stint after hanging his boots.
“Look I don’t know whether that stance is going to change in the future. As far as I am concerned, playing more cricket when I am done, I don’t think I am in that zone, to be honest,” the 30-year-old said.
Retired cricketers such as AB de Villiers and Brendon McCullum are regularly seen playing in T20 leagues such as the IPL and BBL but Kohli says he isn’t interested in joining the bandwagon.
“I have played enough cricket in the last five years and I cannot comment on even the first thing I do when I retire because I don’t feel like I am going to pick up the bat again,” he said.
“I will be spent, the day I finish I will be totally spent and that’s the reason I am going to stop playing cricket. So I don’t see myself coming back and playing again. Once I am done, I will be done, and I won’t be seen around the scene,” Kohli added.
What's India Captain @imVkohli's retirement plans? 😁😁😁 #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/xGxBOxMSdE
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2019
The jam-packed international calendar is clearly taking a toll on Kohli’s body and the selectors have already started using him sparingly by resting him for series against weak teams.
Last year, Kohli missed the Nidahas T20 Trophy, the Test match against Afghanistan, the Asia Cup, and the T20I series against the West Indies at home.
