Virat Kohli, India’s star batter and former captain, has been reflecting on his future beyond cricket.
In a recent conversation at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit, Kohli shared his thoughts on what he might do after retiring from professional cricket.
While he hasn’t made any definitive plans, Kohli hinted at a desire to travel extensively and possibly explore new opportunities.
Background
Kohli’s recent comments come after India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign, where he played a crucial role in the team’s victory.
Despite his ongoing success on the field, Kohli has been candid about the challenges of maintaining his form and the physical demands of the sport.
His admission that he “might not have another Australia tour in him” has sparked speculation about his future in Test cricket.
Post-Retirement Plans
When asked about his post-retirement plans, Kohli expressed uncertainty but mentioned that he might engage in a lot of traveling.
“I don’t know what I will be doing post-retirement. Recently, I asked a teammate the same question and got the same reply. Yeah, but maybe a lot of traveling,” Kohli said.
This desire to explore the world reflects his eagerness to experience life beyond the intense schedule of professional cricket.
Possible Return for the Olympics?
Kohli also joked about the possibility of coming out of T20I retirement if India were to reach the final of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Cricket will be included in the Olympics for the first time in over 100 years, and Kohli sees this as a unique opportunity.
“If we are playing for the gold medal, that is much taken for one game, get a medal. Come back home,” he said with a smile.
While this is more of a humorous suggestion than a serious commitment, it highlights Kohli’s enduring passion for the sport and his desire to be part of historic moments.
Current Focus
Despite these discussions about retirement, Kohli remains focused on his current cricketing career.
He emphasized that he continues to play for the “pure joy” and “love for the game,” rather than for personal achievements.
This mindset has allowed him to maintain his form and contribute significantly to India’s recent successes.
Future of Indian Cricket
Kohli also expressed his optimism about the future of Indian cricket, particularly the growth of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
He believes that balanced development across men’s and women’s sports is crucial for India to become a leading sporting nation.
