DOHA: For over a decade, Virat Kohli has been the heartbeat of Indian cricket—relentless, passionate, and unwavering in his pursuit of excellence. But even legends have their struggles, and after India’s 3-1 Test series defeat in Australia, the former captain has hinted that his time touring Down Under may be nearing its end.
At 36, Kohli remains a towering figure in the game, yet he acknowledges that another trip to Australia in four years is uncertain. However, retirement is not on the cards just yet. His love for cricket remains intact, despite the bruising memories of a series that didn’t go his way.
A tough series, familiar struggle
Kohli entered the 2024-25 Australia series under intense scrutiny, looking to silence critics after a lean patch. He started strong, breaking his poor form with a sublime unbeaten century in the first Test at Perth. But as the series progressed, old technical flaws resurfaced—chasing deliveries outside off-stump, a weakness reminiscent of his nightmare tour of England in 2014. He finished with just 190 runs at an average of 23.75, far below the lofty standards he has set for himself.
Candid admission
Speaking at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit, Kohli reflected on his struggles with rare honesty.
“If you ask me about the most disappointing phase, the recent Australia tour is the freshest in my mind, so it feels the most intense,” he admitted. “For a long time, the 2014 England tour bothered me the most. But I can’t look at it that way anymore. I might not have another tour of Australia in four years. I don’t know. You have to make peace with whatever has happened in life.”
It’s a statement that carries the weight of experience, the realization that cricket—like life—doesn’t always offer second chances.
Still hungry and fighting
Despite the setback, Kohli made it clear that he’s not stepping away from the game anytime soon. His love for cricket remains unshaken, and while the Australian pitches may have tested him, he’s not done proving himself yet.
For Indian cricket fans, Kohli’s words serve as both a reflection and a reminder—an admission that time spares no one, but also a promise that he still has unfinished business on the field.
