NEW DELHI: India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru star batter Virat Kohli has finally opened up about his decision to retire from T20 internationals following India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in 2024.
Kohli called time on his T20I career after India, led by Rohit Sharma, clinched the T20 World Cup title with a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the final held in Barbados.
In the high-octane final, Kohli delivered when it mattered the most, scoring a crucial 76 off 59 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Moments after lifting the trophy, Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is during the post-match presentation. Soon after, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja also confirmed their retirements from the format.
Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Kohli explained the reasoning behind his decision.
Poll
What do you think about Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from T20 internationals?
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Kohli finished his T20I career with 125 matches, amassing 4,188 runs at an impressive average of 48.69. He was named Player of the Tournament in both the 2014 and 2016 editions of the T20 World Cup.
Currently, Kohli is showcasing top form in the ongoing IPL 2025, leading the charts for RCB with 443 runs in 10 matches at an average of 63.29.
RCB, placed second in the points table, are set to face Chennai Super Kings in a key encounter on Saturday.
