Surprised by Virat Kohli's T20I retirement, Andy Flower makes revelation on batter's behind-the-scenes act at RCB

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower said that he was a little surprised by Virat Kohli's retirement from T20 Internationals after the T20 World Cup 2024. Andy Flower stated that he had not anticipated Virat Kohli's retirement and spoke about his experience with Kohli during the last IPL season.

Virat Kohli is nearing the end of his international career, but he remains one of the fittest cricketers globally at the moment. Kohli and Andy Flower closely worked together for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2024. Flower observed Kohli's playing style and leadership both on the field and within the dressing room.

Virat Kohli Is A Brilliant Role Model - Andy Flower

In a conversation with The Times of India, Andy Flower opened up about his experience working with Virat Kohli during the Indian Premier League 2024. Flower mentioned that Kohli supported RCB captain Faf du Plessis and Mo Bobat, the director of cricket, during this year's tournament.

“I hadn’t thought about it (Kohli’s retirement). I was a little surprised. I really enjoyed working with Virat in the IPL last season. I have utmost respect for him, obviously as a player but also the way he supported Faf du Plessis (RCB captain) and myself and Mo Bobat (RCB director of cricket),” Flower told The Times of India.

Flower praised Virat Kohli for his discipline, describing him as a brilliant role model and an outstanding professional athlete. Flower emphasized that Kohli maintains a high standard of physical fitness without appearing robotic.

“He (Kohli) is a brilliant role model. He is an outstanding professional sportsperson. He looks after himself really well. He is disciplined without being robotic,” the former Zimbabwe captain said.

Virat Kohli was instrumental in India's victory over South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados on June 29. The right-handed batter scored 76 runs off 59 deliveries with the help of six boundaries and two sixes. The Indian team posted a competitive total of 176/7 in 20 overs after winning the toss.

The Delhi-born cricketer won the "Player of the Match" award after India secured a seven-run victory in the summit clash. The veteran batter announced his retirement from T20 internationals just a few moments after the victory. Kohli is set to continue representing the Indian team in the longer formats of the game.

We Were Far Behind In Intensity Levels - Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli was dissatisfied with his fitness standards after the 2012 IPL. He also observed how global cricket dynamics were evolving rapidly and felt that India lagged behind in intensity and fitness compared to other teams. The star batter prioritized fitness and aimed to raise the intensity levels in Indian cricket.

“2012 IPL I came back home and saw myself, was disgusted. I just wanted to change everything about myself. I also saw how the dynamics of cricket around the world were changing rapidly and how I felt we were far behind in intensity levels as other teams. They were moving far ahead of us in terms of fitness levels,” Kohli told Mayank Agarwal during a chat in 2020.

Also read: "The seniors have retired, it's our time now"- Ravi Bishnoi after India's shambolic loss to Zimbabwe