'Will come back for one game' - Virat Kohli jokes about Olympics return after T20 retirement

A return to the T20 international scene at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles has been ruled out by Indian batsman Virat Kohli. At the Games in LA, cricket will make an Olympic comeback for the first time since 1900 as one of five new sports. Although the competition will be a T20 event, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not yet confirmed how teams will qualify.

Nevertheless, given the commercial benefits, organizers have been eager to use cricket to boost India's interest in the Olympics, and it would seem very probable that they will participate. When India won the 2024 T20 World Cup, the veteran batsman announced his retirement from the T20I format. Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma had also declared their retirements, in addition to Virat.

Former cricketer Isa Guha asked Virat Kohli if he might come out of retirement to play in LA Olympics which is going to have cricket for the first time in 100 years. Virat Kohli had a clear idea for the Olympics. "No. For the Olympics? Maybe? If we are playing for the gold medal, I may come back for one game (laughs). Get a medal and come back home. It is a great thing. To be an Olympic champion would be a magnificent feeling, the first of its kind," he said.

When asked about plans Virat Kohli said he doesn’t know about the future things and wants to travel more. "I don't know what I will be doing post-retirement. Recently, I asked a teammate the same question and got the same reply. Yeah, but there may be a lot of traveling," Virat Kohli said.

Virat Kohli playing his 18th IPL season

As of now, Virat Kohli is only available to play T20 cricket in Indian Premier League (IPL). As for the IPL 2025, he is back in training with the team as the run for the trophy is still going on for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Since joining RCB in 2008 Virat Kohli has been the only player to play for one team in the IPL. In 252 matches he scored 8004 runs and has eight centuries to his name. Playing in his 18th IPL season Virat Kohli will again eye on the IPL trophy.

Royal Challengers Bengaulur will face defending  IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders in season opener of IPL 2025. The last both the teams face in season opener was in 2008 which was the start of IPL.