Virat Kohli has put an end to speculation surrounding his retirement, affirming that he remains fully committed to cricket and enjoys the competitive nature of the sport.
Speaking at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit, he reassured fans that he has no immediate plans to step away from the game.
The former Indian captain stated that he was not making any announcements regarding his future and emphasized that his passion for the game remains strong.
He highlighted that his current motivation comes purely from enjoying cricket rather than chasing records or achievements.
Kohli recently played a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai, reigniting discussions about his future in international cricket.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had also dismissed similar retirement speculations.
The 36-year-old, who stepped away from T20 internationals following last year’s World Cup victory, is preparing for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
With India’s Test series in England on the horizon, he expressed satisfaction with his current phase in the sport.
Acknowledging the challenges of deciding when to retire, Kohli admitted that competitive athletes often struggle to make that choice.
Recalling a conversation with coach Rahul Dravid, he noted that players must maintain self-awareness and assess their place in the game.
He acknowledged that the competitive spirit often makes it difficult to step away at the right moment.
Kohli also expressed his excitement over cricket’s return to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, calling it a significant milestone for the sport.
He credited the popularity of T20 leagues like the IPL for contributing to cricket’s inclusion in the global event.
When asked about a possible return to T20 internationals for a chance at an Olympic gold medal, Kohli playfully suggested that he might consider a one-off appearance if it meant securing the medal.
He described winning an Olympic title as a historic achievement for Indian cricket.