Virat Kohli could have played till 2026 but decided to retire early from T20Is: Suresh Raina

Virat Kohli, the talismanic batsman for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is once again vying for the Orange Cap in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He rose to No. 2 on the list of top run scorers this season thanks to his incredible half-century against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday, April 24, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. He has scored 392 runs from nine innings at an average of 65.33 and a strike rate of 144.12.

Following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup in Barbados last year, Kohli declared his retirement from T20I cricket. Though he might have played until 2026, Suresh Raina believes that his old India teammate retired too soon. The former Indian batsman praised Kohli’s health and batting rhythm.

“I continue to believe that Virat Kohli left T20I cricket too soon. Based on his current playing style and his performance during the 2025 Champions Trophy, he could have continued to play until 2026. Raina stated on Star Sports that “he looks like he is still at his peak due to the way he has maintained his fitness.”

In the history of the T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli is the top run scorer.

He won Player of the Match in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa, capping off a stellar career. In the IPL, Kohli has the most runs as well. He will become the first Indian hitter and the second overall to win three Orange Caps if he is able to finish as the season’s top run scorer. He was notable for finishing as the league’s top run scorer in the previous season.

Kohli’s 70 off 42 balls helped RCB set up a score of 205/5 against Rajasthan. With a 50 off 27 balls, Devdutt Padikkal too made a contribution. The Royals’ response was limited to 194/9. Josh Hazlewood finished with statistics of 4/33 in his four overs, making him the best bowler. With their victory on Thursday, RCB rose to third place in the standings.