As the Australian skipper Steve Smith announces his retirement from ODIs after losing to India in the Semifinals at the Dubai International Stadium, rumors are that many other players like Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli might announce their retirement after this Champions Trophy. As they did after the T20 World Cup finals after defeating South Africa. Also, there are concerns regarding Rohit Sharma’s fitness and form so he might take retirement after the finals but when it comes to Virat Kohli, retirement doesn’t seem to fit in the picture. Here are 3 probable reasons why Virat Kohli might not take retirement from International cricket.
Still, a lot of cricket left in him
Kohli is 36 years old but his fitness and enthusiasm for the game suggest that he has still a lot of cricket left in him. As per the current form in the Champions Trophy, Virat Kohli seems fit to play even the 2027 World Cup. He also said after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that he is in no mood to retire. Former India coach, Ravi Shastri has also said that Kohli will continue playing. Kohli has smashed 217 runs in this Champions Trophy including 1 century which he smashed against its arch-rival Pakistan.
Kohli will be the one to form the World Cup team
Speculations suggest that Rohit Sharma will be opting for retirement after this Champions Trophy. The need for a senior player to manage the team will be India’s concern. Kohli will be given the responsibility of making up a team with himself being at number 3. Abhishek Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are already India’s options for openers with Sharma expected to debut in the near future. World Cup 2027 will be on India’s priority list.
Also Read: Steve Smith’s Major Controversies Against India That Tarnished His Image
Exceptional ODI Records
Kohli has exceptional ODI records. Besides this Champions Trophy, Virat Kohli has become the second-highest run scorer after cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar with more than 14,000 runs. He has the record for most centuries in One-Day Internationals with 51 centuries. He has named the fastest 14,000 runs record for himself which he achieved in 287 innings. Virat’s replacement has been very difficult for team India to find and thus it creates a void for an appropriate number 3 batter for India.
