Virat Kohli gives shocking admission on T20I retirement amid comeback calls

India’s batting superstar Virat Kohli may have bid farewell to T20 internationals, but his bat is still doing the talking in the ongoing IPL 2025. As the ongoing season heats up, Virat Kohli has been in majestic form for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

The dashing right-hander has been silencing doubters and thrilling fans with vintage strokes and relentless consistency in the ongoing IPL 2025. Kohli is currently the top run scorer for RCB and is in strong contention for the Orange Cap with 443 runs from 10 games so far in the tournament.

Nothing has changed for Virat Kohli despite his T20I retirement, as his IPL domination continues

Many would have wondered if the T20I retirement would affect his rhythm or hunger, but the reality has been quite the opposite, as they say the legend remains unstoppable. Well, amidst his domination in the ongoing IPL 2025 season, Kohli has finally opened up about his decision.

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However, he is still proving the class is permanent in the ongoing season, and now the reason behind his bold call is winning the hearts and proving why he is being called a modern-era legend.

Kohli revealed that he stepped away from T20Is to give young players enough time to prepare for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He felt they needed two years to gain experience, handle pressure, and play in different conditions before the ICC event.

Read Also: Virat Kohli buries Mumbai Indians and CSK fans with 'Trophy' jibe

Virat Kohli reveals the reason behind his retirement from T20I cricket

Virat Kohli told the renowned sports anchor Mayanti Langer on RCB’s podcast, “I don’t think things have changed for me in any way. 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 two-year cycle to evolve, handle pressure, and play in different parts of the world. And play enough games to the point where, when the World Cup comes, they feel like we’re ready.”

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

Notably, Kohli had announced his retirement from T20I cricket moments after India, under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, lifted the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with a dramatic seven-run win over South Africa in the final at Barbados in June last year.

Virat Kohli finished his T20I career as a legend

In the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Kohli had played the match-winning knock of 76 runs off 59 balls against South Africa, and he was adjudged as the Player of the Match.

And eventually announced his decision. The timing was emotional, the stage was grand, and Kohli bowed out as a champion.

During his 14-year-long stellar career, the former Indian skipper played 125 T20I matches and scored 4,188 runs.

He has one century and 38 half-centuries to his name in the format. Kohli finished his T20I career as the all-time leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup history.

Virat was named Player of the Tournament in both the 2014 and 2016 editions of the T20 World Cup.

He will be next seen in action on May 3 when RCB will face Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2025 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

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