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Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s most iconic figures, has recently addressed the ongoing speculation about his retirement from international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a candid conversation at the RCB Innovation Lab’s Leadership Summit, Kohli emphasized that his love for the game remains the driving force behind his continued involvement.
Virat Kohli’s international career and retirement talks
Kohli’s recent performances, particularly during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series against Australia, have fuelled discussions about his potential retirement from Test cricket. Despite scoring a century in the opening Test, Kohli struggled to maintain his form throughout the series, leading to speculation about his future in the format. However, Kohli has clarified that he is not considering retirement at the moment, stating that his passion for cricket remains strong.
“Don’t get nervous, I’m not making an announcement. It pretty much comes down to just the pure joy, enjoyment, and love for the game. As long as that is intact, I will continue to play,” Kohli said.
In a reflective tone, Kohli mentioned that he might not have another tour of Australia in him, indicating a sense of contentment with his past achievements. This statement has sparked debate among fans about whether he might step away from Test cricket soon.
“Once you start thinking about disappointment from an external perspective, you burden yourself unnecessarily. I experienced this in Australia as well. I got a good score in the first Test, and I thought, ‘Right, here we go—another big series for me.’ But things didn’t go as planned. So, how do you deal with that? For me, it’s all about acceptance. This is what happened, and I need to be honest with myself,” he explained.
Kohli’s approach to retirement and career milestones
Kohli shared insights into his approach to retirement, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and staying connected with one’s inner self. He recalled a conversation with Rahul Dravid, who advised him to stay in touch with his personal growth and not rush into decisions based on external pressures.
Kohli also emphasized that he is no longer driven by milestones or achievements, focusing instead on the joy and love he derives from playing the game. This mindset allows him to approach challenges with a sense of peace and acceptance, even in the face of setbacks.
“The competitive streak inside you doesn’t allow you to find the answer easily. I had a very interesting conversation with Rahul Dravid, and he told me that you always need to stay in touch with yourself. Figure out where you are in life, because the answer is not that simple,” the Delhi-lad revealed.
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Kohli’s IPL commitment and future plans
As Kohli prepares for his 18th season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he remains committed to the franchise. He is the only player to represent the same IPL team since beginning and is the league’s all-time leading run-scorer with 8,004 runs in 252 matches.
Kohli’s dedication to RCB is evident as he gears up for the upcoming season, which begins on March 22. Despite speculation about his international career, Kohli’s involvement with RCB continues to be strong.
