IPL 2025: Virat Kohli took early Retirement for India in T20Is, reckons CSK legend

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Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of India's finest cricketers, brought his T20I journey to a close after guiding India to a historic triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

While the nation celebrated the long-awaited title, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina expressed his belief that Kohli called time on his T20I career prematurely and should have continued at least until the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Kohli's T20I career was nothing short of spectacular. Over 125 matches, he amassed 4188 runs at a phenomenal average of 48.69, including one century and 38 half-centuries. His attacking prowess was evident through his 124 fours and 54 sixes. In T20 World Cup history, Kohli stands alone at the summit, having scored 1292 runs - the most by any player - and holds the records for the most runs in a single edition (319 in 2014) and the most 50-plus scores (15) across tournaments.

After India edged past South Africa by 7 runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, Kohli announced his retirement from T20 internationals, citing the need to create opportunities for the next generation. However, Suresh Raina feels that Kohli still had plenty to offer to the Indian team, especially given his recent performances.

"He took early retirement. Kohli should have played in the 2026 T20 World Cup. We saw his performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His running between the wicket and his IPL performances show that a lot of cricket is left in him," Raina said.

Alongside Kohli, Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja also bid farewell to T20Is following the 2024 World Cup win.

Kohli has been sublime in the ongoing IPL 2025 as well. The India stalwart has already amassed 392 runs, scoring five half-centuries in the first nine matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have currently won six matches.