Virat Kohli T20I retirement: RCB star explains why he decided to leave format
Virat Kohli T20I retirement: Virat Kohli explained why he decided to step away from the T20I format following India’s World Cup win last year. Kohli was the star of the final against South Africa as he scored a match-winning 76 off 59 balls as India won by 7 runs at the end.
After the match was done, Kohli, along with Rohit Sharma,decided to retire from the T20I format. The star batter talked about his decision on the latest episode of the RCB podcast and said that he made the call to step aside to allow the new set of players to come in and enjoy the 2-year cycle before the World Cup.
“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 2-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.Kohli played a total of 125 T20I games for India and scored 4188 runs during that time at an average of 48.69.
Virat Kohli T20I retirement: Love from RCB fans bigger than silverware
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐀 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐭. 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢: 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐑 😇
Virat’s unquestionable bond with RCB, the journey through the ultimate highs and crushing lows of a cricketer’s life, insights into the mindset that’s kept him consistent at the highest level… pic.twitter.com/IyoNkhYC3k
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 2, 2025
Kohli and RCB’s wait for an IPL title has been on for 18 years and the star batter was asked if he ever thought of moving from the franchise. The star batter said that the love he has received from the fans was bigger than any silverware or trophy.
“The love that I have received from the fans, I do not think any silverware or any trophy can come close to that,” said Kohli.
Virat Kohli T20I retirement: RCB have had a splendid season so far in IPL 2025 as they edge closer to a place in the playoffs. RCB have won seven out of 10 matches so far in the league with Kohli scoring 443 runs during that time.
