Virat Kohli Latest News: Retirement, Records, and What’s Next in 2025

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Virat Kohli has officially retired from T20Is and Test cricket, focusing solely on ODI cricket in 2025.
• Major anticipation surrounds his next appearance, with India’s ODI series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh postponed.
• Kohli leaves an unmatched legacy in Tests, including 7 double centuries and a historic series win in Australia.
• He continues as a major fitness, leadership, and inspiration icon, influencing Indian sports culture beyond cricket.
• The evolution of Indian sports now sees comparisons across cricket, football, and athletics, with stars like Sunil Chhetri and Neeraj Chopra.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Virat Kohli’s Latest News and the Changing Face of Indian Cricket

Virat Kohli latest news dominates Indian sports headlines as the cricket superstar transitions to a new phase of his extraordinary career. Having now stepped away from T20Is and Test cricket alongside Rohit Sharma, Kohli is exclusively focusing on ODIs. This shift brings both nostalgia and excitement as fans and analysts anticipate his next big innings. Postponements of the Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ODI series mean the earliest expected return is the much-awaited Australia tour in October 2025, raising the stakes for India’s home ODI battles to follow.

Kohli’s Retirement: End of an Era in T20Is and Test Cricket

The Test retirement of Virat Kohli is a major moment for cricket. With 123 Tests, 9,230 runs at a 46.85 average, and an unprecedented 7 double centuries, Kohli’s achievements have set a new benchmark for Indian batsmanship. His captaincy saw India win their first Test series in Australia (2018–19)—a moment that inspired countless young cricketers countrywide.

In his own words: “Decisions should feel comfortable. I knew the time was right for me to move on from red-ball cricket, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.” By stepping away on his terms, Kohli continues to shape cricket’s culture of professionalism and personal fulfillment.

• Chose personal satisfaction over external pressure
• Remains fully committed to ODI excellence
• For more on Test legends, see Mitchell Starc’s journey

Milestones and Career Highlights: Kohli’s Records and Impact

Kohli records underline his status among cricket’s greatest ever.

• Tests: First Indian with 7 double centuries, fastest to 5,000–9,000 runs
• ODIs: Fastest to 8,000–10,000 runs; 70+ international centuries
• T20Is: Among the fastest to 3,000+ runs, known for pressure chases
• Leadership: Captained India in 213 matches across formats; series wins in Australia, England, South Africa

Kohli’s relentless training and focus on performance make him a role model for athletes worldwide.
For more on IPL milestones and major fixtures, visit IPL 2025 fan guide.

Athlete Profiles: Indian Sports Icons

Modern Indian sport is richer than ever, showcasing excellence across cricket, football, athletics, badminton, and wrestling.

• Cricket: Rohit Sharma (ODI star), MS Dhoni (captain cool), Sachin Tendulkar (legend)
• Football: Sunil Chhetri (India’s top international goal scorer)
• Badminton: P V Sindhu (Olympic-winner, world champ)
• Wrestling: Bajrang Punia (multiple world medals)
• Athletics: Neeraj Chopra (Olympic javelin gold medalist)

These icons define the spirit of Indian sport. Explore the growth of multi-sport stardom and trends at What’s Trending in India Today.

Comparative Analysis: Virat Kohli and India’s Multi-Sport Stars

Kohli vs. Tendulkar: Both are technical masters and have shaped India’s sporting identity.
Kohli vs. Chhetri & Chopra: Leadership, discipline, and consistency connect them. Read about the 2026 FIFA World Cup race for more football context.

Top Scorers in Football: Sunil Chhetri and Beyond

The top scorer in football title is the result of technical skill, discipline, and mental strength. Global icons like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane dominate European charts; in India, Sunil Chhetri is top five globally in international goals, keeping close company with Ronaldo and Messi.

• Indian record: Chhetri’s relentless scoring breaks new ground for Indian football
• Qualities: Practice, adaptability, resilience under pressure
• Parallel with cricket: Both Chhetri and Kohli share a focus on process, preparation, and mental clarity for consistent performance

For major event coverage, visit NBA Finals 2025 Guide.

Athlete Fitness Routine: How Champions Train

An elite athlete fitness routine is the backbone of consistent performance. Kohli’s famed physical transformation has redefined cricketing fitness in India:

• Strength training: weights, bodyweight
• High-intensity cardio and agility routines
• Disciplined diet: protein-focused, hydration key
• Rest, recovery, and avoidance of overtraining

Top Indian athletes in football (Chhetri) and athletics (Chopra) take a science-driven approach, with individualized workload, nutrition, and injury management protocols.

For updates in health and performance technology, see top health tech startups 2025.

Virat Kohli’s Influence and Inspiration in India

Kohli’s sporting culture influence transcends cricket. He’s unafraid to discuss the importance of fitness, mental health, and personal happiness, setting a relatable example for India’s next generation. Kohli’s leadership has improved fitness standards across cricket and made “Kohli discipline” a common reference in gyms and sports academies.

• Open attitudes toward personal well-being
• Emphasis on fair play and respect, in addition to competitiveness
• Support for more participation across sports, including women’s athletics (explore here)

Conclusion: The Legacy and the Road Ahead

Virat Kohli latest news signals not decline but renewal. His ODI-only focus opens opportunities to chase new records and shape India’s emerging cricket stars. Alongside the likes of Chhetri and Chopra, Kohli keeps India moving forward in the global sports arena. In 2025 and beyond, the golden era of Indian sports is just beginning.

FAQ

• Why did Virat Kohli retire from T20Is and Test cricket?
  Kohli stated that he wanted his decisions to feel comfortable and that the time was right for new priorities. His focus now shifts entirely to playing ODI cricket and personal fulfillment.
• When is Kohli expected to play next?
  With several ODI series postponed, Kohli’s next likely international appearance is in Australia in October 2025, followed by an ODI series against South Africa at home.
• What are Kohli’s most unbreakable cricket records?
  His fastest to multiple ODI run milestones, 7 double centuries in Tests, and numerous centuries across all formats are unmatched among contemporary cricketers.
• How is Kohli’s fitness routine different from other athletes?
  Kohli’s focus on strength, mobility, recovery, and strict nutrition has redefined cricket fitness standards. Similar approaches can be seen among top footballers and track athletes.
• How has Kohli influenced Indian sporting culture?
  He’s normalized discussions on fitness, mental health, and leadership, inspiring wider societal attitudes toward sports and active lifestyles.