Virat Kohli shuts down retirement talk, says he will continue playing as long as he is enjoying

India’s veteran batter Virat Kohli has shunned retirement talk and has revealed that he will continue playing at the top level as long he is enjoying the game. Kohli was under the pump after a forgettable Australia tour, where he managed 190 runs in five Test matches at an average of 23.75.

Subsequently, the talisman bounced back in style as he scored 218 runs in five matches of the Champions Trophy at an average of 54.50 and a strike rate of 82.89. 

Thus, the last three-four months has been a roller-coaster ride for the talismanic batter. Kohli revealed former head coach Rahul Dravid’s advice while discussing his future.

Speaking to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit, Virat Kohli said, “Today, I am not playing for achievements. It’s pretty much come down to the pure joy of playing. As long as that feeling is intact, I will continue playing. I have to be honest about that with myself. I had this interesting conversation with Rahul Dravid when he was our coach. He said one always has to stay in touch with oneself to figure out where one is placed in life.”

“Don’t get nervous, I am not making any announcements. As of now, everything seems fine.”

After winning the Champions Trophy, Kohli would look to clinch his maiden IPL trophy with RCB. The right-hander was retained for INR 21 crore ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction. Kohli is the leading run-getter in the IPL history with 8004 runs in 252 matches at an average of 38.66 and a strike rate of almost 132.

RCB will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 22.