Time stops for no one—not even cricket’s modern-day greats. A recent photograph of Virat Kohli in London has taken social media by storm, showing the Indian superstar posing with a fan in casual attire—a sweatshirt and a black cap. But what caught everyone’s attention wasn’t the outfit; it was Kohli’s beard. Salt-and-pepper in appearance, with more white strands than black, it immediately set tongues wagging.
Some fans found him almost unrecognisable, prompting whispers that the 36-year-old might be inching towards retirement from international cricket. An overreaction? Perhaps. But it’s worth noting that Kohli himself has previously joked about his greying beard being linked to his eventual Test retirement.
Speaking at a fundraiser hosted by Yuvraj Singh in London back in July, Virat Kohli candidly admitted, “I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it’s time when you’re colouring your beard every four days—it’s time to relax.”
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The image stirred nostalgia among fans, many finding it hard to watch their childhood hero show signs of ageing. One emotional fan wrote, “White beard, dimming fire, and tired eyes. The King has begun to lay down his sword. We’ve probably reached the ending we never wanted to see!” Another remarked, “People expected Kohli to come back in whites, but bro’s beard is turning white.”
Virat Kohli Clicked With Shash Kiran At London Today.📸🤍
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.#ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/VsqhBd8fnj— virat_kohli_18_club (@KohliSensation) August 7, 2025
Kohli bid farewell to T20Is after India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in Barbados last year. While that decision was expected, few anticipated he might also step away from Test cricket during the middle of IPL 2025. Former India spinner and Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh even revealed that Kohli had discussed England tour plans with him earlier this year when he turned out for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy match against Railways.
The batting maestro endured a challenging Test series in Australia in 2024-25, scoring just 190 runs in five matches despite a century in Perth. India’s 1-3 series loss raised questions about his future in the format. Yet, his domestic return had given fans hope of seeing him in whites again.
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For now, Kohli is expected to continue in ODIs and the IPL. Reports suggest he aims to bid farewell to international cricket after the 2027 ODI World Cup. His long-time teammate and India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma is also eyeing the same tournament as his swansong.
Both legends, who last represented India in January, are set to return during the ODI series in Australia later this year. They were initially slated for the Bangladesh white-ball series in August, but that tour’s postponement has delayed their comeback. With two of India’s most celebrated cricketers nearing the final chapters of their storied careers, fans are bracing themselves for an emotional farewell era.
