Virat Kohli recently opened up about his decision to retire from T20Is for Team India. His retirement came immediately after India’s triumphant victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies, where he, along with fellow senior players Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, bid farewell to the format.
Currently representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, Kohli was asked what led to his sudden retirement from international T20 cricket.
During an appearance on the RCB podcast, he reflected on his choice, emphasizing that he wanted to make way for younger players. His aim was to ensure the upcoming generation had sufficient opportunities and time to develop their skills ahead of the next ICC T20 World Cup.
Young players are ready: Kohli on his T20 retirement
“I do not think things have changed for me in any way. The decision to leave T20Is was taken purely understanding that there is a new set of players who are more than ready and they need time. They need a two-year cycle to evolve, handle pressure, play in different parts of the world, and play enough games to the point where when the World Cup comes, they feel like they are ready,” said Kohli.
In addition to his achievements in T20Is, Virat Kohli holds the record as the highest run-scorer in IPL history. This season, he is a strong contender for the Orange Cap, having amassed 443 runs in 10 innings. With an impressive average of 63.28 and a strike rate close to 140, Kohli continues to dominate the batting charts in IPL 2025.
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