- Kohli explains why he retired from T20Is after India’s 2024 World Cup win.
- He aimed to create space for young talent ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
- Recalls the surprise of being picked by RCB, not Delhi, in the 2008 IPL auction.
Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated batters, has opened up about his decision to retire from T20Is. This comes following India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024.
Apart from his retirement, Kohli took a nostalgic turn to discuss his early IPL days. He particularly reminisced about his surprise selection by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2008.
Time to Move On”: Virat Kohli’s Emotional Farewell to T20Is and His RCB Origin Story
Virat Kohli’s T20I retirement wasn’t a sudden decision—it was carefully considered after India’s World Cup win in 2024. He believed it was crucial to give younger players the platform and runway to grow before the next global tournament. His exit, along with Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja’s, marked the end of an era in Indian white-ball cricket.
Kohli described the moment as one of understanding when to step aside for the good of the team. Rather than clinging to the format, he chose a graceful exit. This move reinforced his image as a selfless leader. It was about leaving Indian cricket in better hands. He aimed to ensure that the new generation had both the space and confidence to perform.
Shifting focus to his early IPL experience, Kohli shared his disbelief at being picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2008. He was in Malaysia with the U-19 team when the news came through. Despite expectations of being picked by Delhi, RCB saw something in him. This would later become one of the league’s most iconic partnerships.
Those early IPL days were formative for Kohli—not just for his career but also in terms of exposure. Playing alongside international stars helped shape his mindset, professionalism, and adaptability. It was a fast-paced initiation into elite cricket that helped him transition smoothly into international stardom.
Virat Kohli’s reflections reveal a player deeply aware of timing, legacy, and leadership. From his selfless T20I exit to his unexpected IPL debut, his journey continues to inspire.
“It’s important to understand when to move on and let the next generation grow into the game.”
