In a candid discussion at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab on Saturday, Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli hinted at the possibility of having played his last Test series in Australia. Reflecting on his recent performances, Kohli acknowledged, “I might not have another Australia tour in me, so I am at peace with whatever happened in the past.”
Kohli’s recent tour of Australia was challenging, with the prolific batsman amassing only 190 runs across nine innings. This series marked a departure from his usual dominance on Australian pitches, where he has historically been a formidable presence. Despite a century in the second innings of the Perth Test, Kohli struggled to find consistency, often falling prey to deliveries outside the off-stump—a vulnerability the Australian pace attack, featuring bowlers like Scott Boland, exploited effectively. Sports Tak+1Hindustan Times+1
The series concluded with Australia securing a 3-1 victory, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. This defeat also dashed India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship final. Cricket+5Reuters+5The Australian+5Sports Tak
Addressing his future beyond cricket, Kohli expressed uncertainty but hinted at a desire to travel. “I actually don’t know what I will be doing post-retirement,” he admitted. “Recently, I asked a teammate the same question and got the same reply. Yeah, but maybe a lot of traveling.”
Despite these reflections, Kohli reassured fans that he remains passionate about the game. “Don’t get nervous. I’m not making any announcements. As of now, everything is fine. I still love playing the game,” he stated, indicating his commitment to continue contributing to Indian cricket.
Looking ahead, Kohli expressed enthusiasm about India’s recent triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, attributing the success to the team’s adaptability. “We as a team adapted to the conditions better than others, hence won the Champions Trophy,” he noted.
He also highlighted the significance of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in promoting women’s cricket in India. “WPL is going to grow, and you cannot cater only to men’s sport if you want to grow as a sporting nation,” Kohli emphasized, underscoring the importance of balanced development in sports.
Furthermore, Kohli expressed excitement about cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, viewing it as a golden opportunity for India. “Cricket being part of the Olympics (2028) is a great chance for us. Coming back with a medal will be a great thing for the team,” he remarked, reflecting his optimism about India’s prospects on the global stage. Times of India
As Kohli prepares for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where he will represent RCB, fans eagerly anticipate his performance. His recent reflections have sparked discussions about his future, but his commitment to the sport remains unwavering.
In summary, Virat Kohli’s recent comments provide insight into his reflections on a challenging Australian tour, his thoughts on retirement, and his vision for the future of cricket in India. While acknowledging past disappointments, Kohli’s passion for the game and optimism for its future continue to inspire fans and fellow cricketers alike.
