Virat Kohli Retired Too Early from T20Is, Claims Suresh Raina After His Match-Winning Knock against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has questioned Virat Kohli‘s decision to retire from T20 internationals, stating that the star batter still had a lot to offer in the shortest format. The comment came after Kohli smashed a fluent 70-run knock for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their recent IPL 2025 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Kohli Announced T20I Retirement After 2024 World Cup Triumph

Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20 internationals following India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory in Barbados, where India defeated South Africa in a gripping final. Kohli had signed off in style, playing a crucial role in India’s title run.

However, Raina believes Kohli could have continued till the next ICC tournament in the format.
“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,” Raina said on Star Sports.

Fitness and Form Still Peaking, Says Raina

“The way he has maintained his fitness, he looks like he is at his peak still,” Raina added, backing Kohli’s current physical and mental condition to deliver at the highest level for a couple more years.

At 36, Kohli remains one of the fittest athletes in world cricket. His performances in IPL 2025 so far have demonstrated his consistent match-winning ability.

Kohli’s Stellar T20I Career

Virat Kohli played 125 T20Is for India, scoring 4,188 runs at an impressive average of 48.69. His record includes one century and 38 half-centuries. He remains the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history with 1,292 runs. He also holds the record for most runs in a single edition (319 in 2014) and most 50-plus scores (15) in T20 World Cups.

Final International Appearance in Champions Trophy 2025

Kohli’s final international appearance came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he once again left a mark. He scored 218 runs in five matches, including an unbeaten century against Pakistan. Kohli was the fifth-highest run-getter in the tournament and helped India clinch the title with a victory over New Zealand in the final.

Currently Firing in IPL 2025

Despite his retirement from T20Is, Kohli continues to feature in the IPL, and his recent performances for RCB suggest he is far from done. His 70-run knock against RR reignited the debate over his early international retirement.

As IPL 2025 progresses, RCB fans and cricket pundits will keep a close watch on Kohli’s form and fitness—both of which, according to Raina and many others, show no signs of decline.

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