Virat Kohli Hints at Post-Retirement Plans
Indian cricket legend and former captain, Virat Kohli, has given an insight into his plans after retirement during an emotional interview.
At 35, Kohli has been a dominant force in Indian cricket for over a decade. Since his international debut in 2008 against Sri Lanka at Dambulla, he has played in 113 Tests, 292 ODIs, and 117 T20Is.
Kohli’s unbeaten 82 off 53 balls helped India secure a victory against Pakistan in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 encounter.
With 26,733 international runs across formats, including 80 centuries, Kohli is second only to Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record for the most international centuries (100).
Despite his age, Kohli’s form remains impressive. He currently leads the run charts in the ongoing IPL with 661 runs in 13 innings at an average of 66.10.
At a recent gala dinner hosted by his Royal Challengers Bangalore team, Kohli was asked about his retirement plans and his motivation to keep scoring.
Kohli delivered a masterclass during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2016 in Mohali.
“As a sportsman, we do have an end-date to our careers. I am just working backwards. I don’t want to finish my career with any regrets,” Kohli told RCB.
Kohli suggested that he may take a break after retiring, but until then, he plans to give his all to the game.
“Once I am done, I will be gone, you won’t see me for a while. So I want to give it everything I have till the time I play,” he said.
‘Out of this World’ by Sean Paul and Kes: The official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 anthem
Kohli is set to play in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies and USA, marking his sixth consecutive appearance in the tournament.
He holds the record for most runs in the history of Men’s T20 World Cups, leading the list with 1141 runs. Given Kohli’s current form, he could elevate that tally further.
India are in Group A of the tournament, alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada and co-hosts USA.
India will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign on 5 June against Ireland at the brand new Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, followed by a match against Pakistan four days later.