Virat Kohli, after leading India to a historic T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, made headlines with his candid decision to retire from T20 international cricket. Kohli’s announcement came moments after India’s victory over South Africa in the final, where he played a match-winning knock of 76 runs and was named Player of the Match.
Why Did Kohli Retire from T20Is?
Kohli has openly explained that his decision was not due to any change in his form or approach to the game. Instead, he emphasized the importance of making way for the next generation of cricketers. Kohli stated that India has a new set of young players who are ready to step up, and they need time and exposure to evolve, handle pressure, and gain experience in different conditions before the next T20 World Cup cycle.
In his own words:
“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 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.”
A Legacy of Excellence
- Kohli’s T20I career is among the most decorated in cricket history:
- 125 T20I matches for India
- 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69
- Player of the Tournament in both the 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups
- All-time leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup history
Retirement After Glory
Kohli’s timing-retiring at the peak after delivering in a World Cup final-was seen as both selfless and strategic. He wanted to ensure that the next crop of Indian talent gets the experience and confidence needed to perform on the world stage, especially with the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026.
Kohli’s Current Form
Despite stepping away from T20Is, Kohli remains in top form in the IPL 2025, scoring heavily for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and leading the Orange Cap race, proving that his decision was not about personal decline but about the team’s future.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Virat Kohli retire from T20I cricket?
Kohli retired to make way for a new generation of players, giving them time to evolve and prepare for future World Cups.
Q2: Did Kohli retire because of poor form?
No, Kohli is still in outstanding form, as seen in his IPL 2025 performances. His decision was about team transition, not personal performance.
Q3: When did Kohli announce his T20I retirement?
He announced it after winning the T20 World Cup final against South Africa in June 2024.
Q4: What is Kohli’s T20I record?
He played 125 matches, scored 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69, and was twice named Player of the Tournament in T20 World Cups.
Q5: Who is leading India’s T20I side after Kohli’s retirement?
Suryakumar Yadav is currently the captain of India’s T20I team.
Virat Kohli’s honest and selfless decision to retire from T20Is after reaching the pinnacle is a testament to his leadership and vision for Indian cricket’s future.