Former Pakistan cricketer Mushtaq Ahmed feels Virat Kohli, who stepped down as T20I captain after the T20 World Cup, will soon retire from playing T20 internationals. Kohli has only given up T20I captaincy and will continue to lead Team India in Tests and ODIs.
While the talismanic run-scorer has not hinted anything about international retirement from T20 cricket, the former Pakistan cricketer believes Virat Kohli is nearing his retirement from the shortest format. Speaking to Geo TV, Mushtaq Ahmed said:
“I think Kohli will soon retire from playing T20 internationals for his country although he will continue in the Indian Premier League. I think he has had his fill of this format,” he said.
Together as one we set out to achieve our goal.Unfortunately we fell short and no one is more disappointed than us as a side.The support from all of you has been fantastic and we are grateful for it all.We will aim to come back stronger and put our best foot forward. Jai Hind🇮🇳🙏 pic.twitter.com/UMUQgInHrV
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 8, 2021
Virat Kohli finished his T20I captaincy stint with 30 wins from 50 matches. Under him, India ended their winless run against NZ and also whitewashed them 5-0 in 2020. The Men in Blue registered a 3-0 win over West Indies and a series win in SA.
Rohit Sharma has been named as Virat Kohli’s successor and his first assignment will be against New Zealand in the three-match series, starting November 17.
Virat Kohli to miss the T20Is against New Zealand
The 33-year-old cricketer, who has been playing continuous cricket for the last six months has sought a break from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The apex body has granted Virat Kohli and the cricketer will be back for the second Test against New Zealand which starts on December 3.
He is likely to return in the shortest format when the Men in Blue tour South Africa. India will be touring SA for a full-fledged series and he is expected to be part of all three formats.