‘The decision was taken because…’ - Virat Kohli opens up on his T20I retirement

Former India skipper and modern-day batting legend, Virat Kohli, is currently in action for his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), in the ongoing IPL 2025. Even at 36, he has been one of the most consistent batters in the tournament’s current season, scoring the most half-centuries in the tournament so far.

Meanwhile, Kohli recently broke his silence on his T20I retirement, almost a year after he hung up his boots in the shortest format of the game. Notably, the 36-year-old, alongside India skipper Rohit Sharma, announced his retirement from T20I cricket after India clinched the historic T20 World Cup 2024 title last year 2024. It was India’s second T20 World Cup title after a long wait of 17 years since they won it first in 2007. 

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“The decision was taken for a new set of players” – Virat Kohli

Kohli spoke about his T20I retirement and categorically cleared his stance on his decision to focus on ODI and Test cricket, giving a chance to youngsters in the shortest format of the game. 

“The decision was taken purely understanding that there is a new set of players who are more than ready and they need time, they need a 2-year cycle to evolve, learn to handle pressure,” said Virat Kohli on the RCB podcast.

“They need to 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,” he added later.

Speaking of Virat Kohli’s current performance for RCB in the ongoing IPL 2025, he is currently the leading run-scorer for his side in the tournament’s current season. The veteran batter has scored 443 runs in 10 innings, including three unbeaten appearances and an amazing average of 63.28, hitting three half-centuries.

He is also in the list of the top-5 leading run-scorers for his side in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2025.