Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener Chris Gayle has stated that seasoned batter Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket sooner than expected. The Delhi-born star concluded his red-ball career in May this year, having played 123 matches and amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
During a YouTube podcast with Shubhankar Mishra released on Sunday, September 7, Gayle was asked if he thought Kohli had retired too early, and he responded:
“Oh yeah, very early. Very early. You know, for whatever reason, I don’t know, but cricket will miss him 100%. Cricket will miss him. He’s a massive, massive figure for the game of cricket.”
Gayle also shared his joy for Kohli, who clinched his first IPL title with RCB in the 2025 season, stating:
“I’m just happy a guy like Virat lifted the trophy as well, because you know there was so much talk here and there. We’d been to a couple of finals together, so I was really overwhelmed to actually be a part of that RCB team, to lift the trophy. And just as I’m happy, I’m sure AB was just as excited for RCB as well.”
“Very Down-to-Earth”– Gayle on His Special Bond with Kohli and de Villiers
In the same discussion, Chris Gayle also spoke about his relationship with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, remarking:
“Those legends, phenomenal players, phenomenal people as well. You know, very cool, very down-to-earth as well. Good vibes, good energy. I had a great time playing with these guys in the dressing room. We had some great memories. We shared some great memories.”
“So, you know, AB walked away from the game. Virat walked away from international cricket to an extent, still playing franchise cricket for RCB, which is good. And we need to see him as long as possible. If he can carry on and play whatever he wants to play in franchise cricket for another five years, that’s great. But he’s a family man. That’s up to him,” he added.
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