Suresh Raina believes that Virat Kohli may have called time on his T20I career too soon. Speaking after Kohli’s scintillating 70 off just 42 balls against Rajasthan Royals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Raina said the former India captain could have easily played until the 2026 T20 World Cup, especially with the tournament being hosted in the subcontinent. Kohli had signed off from T20Is on a high after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he delivered a match-winning knock in the final in Barbados.
Speaking on Star Sports, Suresh Raina said, “I still think that Virat Kohli retired early from T20I cricket. He could have easily played until 2026, especially with the T20 World Cup being hosted in the subcontinent.” Raina’s comments came after Kohli played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 11-run win at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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Kohli, who retired from T20Is after guiding India to World Cup glory in Barbados last year, continues to shine in franchise cricket. His fluent 70 off 42 balls, which included a crucial 95-run stand with Devdutt Padikkal, laid the foundation for RCB’s commanding total of 205/5. Kohli, who clinched the Orange Cap in IPL 2024, is once again leading from the front this season.
Virat hits his 5th fifty of #TATAIPL‘s 18th season! 🔥@ImRaina feels King #Kohli retired too soon in T20Is, could’ve played till 2026! 😳
Do you agree with #SureshRaina? 🤔
Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/QeXtGdMkYp#IPLonJioStar 👉 #RCBvRR | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1,… pic.twitter.com/m1Dhd1tHIX
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 24, 2025
Chasing 206, Rajasthan looked threatening at 110/2, but a stunning spell from Josh Hazlewood (4/33) helped RCB claw back and seal the win. Kohli, reflecting on the performance, said, “We had three pretty average games at home. We talked about it and today we executed our plans better as a batting unit.”
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With the Champions Trophy and another T20 World Cup looming, Kohli’s form suggests he still had more to offer at the international level. RCB now gear up to face Delhi Capitals on Sunday, April 27, in what promises to be another high-stakes clash.
