Virat Kohli called back from International Retirement

Former Team India batter Suresh Raina shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli’s retirement from T20Is during the IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Raina said Kohli might have retired early from T20Is, adding that he could have played the next World Cup.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter announced his retirement from T20I cricket after helping Team India lift the 2024 T20 World Cup. Kohli ended his T20I career on a high note with a match-winning performance in the summit clash against South Africa in Barbados, where he was named Player of the Match.

Virat Kohli Announced Retirement After the T20 World Cup 2024 Victory

After announcing his T20I retirement, Virat Kohli stated that it was time for younger players to take over, and that transition has already begun. Under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership, a new generation has started to shape India’s T20I future.

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One of the biggest challenges has been filling Kohli’s No. 3 spot. While Suryakumar briefly took on the role, it’s Tilak Varma who has emerged as a strong contender following his consistent performances.

With the next T20 World Cup set to be held in India, the team is moving forward with a fresh, modern approach. They will be hoping to defend their title without veterans like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja.

Virat Kohli Retired Early from T20I Cricket - Suresh Raina

During the Hindi commentary on Star Sports, Suresh Raina said that Virat Kohli had retired too early from T20I cricket. Raina added that Kohli is still at the peak of his powers and could have easily continued playing until at least the 2026 T20 World Cup.

"I still think that Virat Kohli retired early from T20I cricket. He could have played until 2026, based on the rhythm with which he is playing right now, and the rhythm during the 2025 Champions Trophy as well. The way he has maintained his fitness, he looks like he is at his peak still," Raina said on Star Sports.

Watch the moment in a video posted by Star Sports on X below:

Virat hits his 5th fifty of #TATAIPL's 18th season! 🔥@ImRaina feels King #Kohli retired too soon in T20Is, could’ve played till 2026! 😳

Do you agree with #SureshRaina? 🤔

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/QeXtGdMkYp#IPLonJioStar 👉 #RCBvRR | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1,… pic.twitter.com/m1Dhd1tHIX

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 24, 2025

Virat Kohli Instrumental in RCB's Home Victory Over RR

Virat Kohli continues to shine for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 season. After clinching the Orange Cap in 2024, he's once again among the tournament's top performers. The right-handed batter is currently second on the run-scorers list with 392 runs in nine games at an impressive average of 65.33.

Kohli played a pivotal role in RCB’s much-needed home win over Rajasthan Royals on April 24. He anchored the innings with 70 runs off 42 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, to help the team post a massive total of 205/5. The home team then restricted the Rajasthan team to 194/9 in 20 overs.

With that victory, RCB climbed to third place on the points table with 12 points. They will lock horns with Delhi Capitals (DC) in their next match on Sunday, April 27, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Also read: Ex-India captain bows down to Rohit Sharma: "There's a reason why he's a legend"