Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) superstar Virat Kohli continues to prove why he is one of the finest batters of the modern era. With another scintillating performance in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli has reignited the Orange Cap race. In RCB’s thrilling win over Rajasthan Royals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli smashed a crucial 70 off just 42 balls, lifting his team to a formidable 205/5 and cementing his place as one of the top performers this season.
With 392 runs from nine innings, an impressive average of 65.33, and a strike rate of 144.12, Kohli is showing no signs of slowing down. Despite being in sensational form, the cricketing world was taken aback when the veteran batter announced his retirement from T20 Internationals following India’s triumphant campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados.
Virat Kohli Retired Too Early from T20Is: Suresh Raina Believes Kohli Still Had More to Offer
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has now voiced his thoughts on Kohli’s decision to step away from T20Is. Speaking on Star Sports, Raina expressed his belief that the former India captain had more years left in him, particularly in the shortest format of the game.
“I still think that Virat Kohli retired early from T20I cricket. He could have played until 2026, based on the rhythm with which he is playing right now, and the rhythm during the 2025 Champions Trophy as well. The way he has maintained his fitness, he looks like he is at his peak still,” Raina said.
Kohli’s T20I career ended on a high as he was named Player of the Match in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. That performance not only sealed the title for India but also solidified his legacy as one of the greatest T20 players of all time. He is the leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup history, and his presence on the field will surely be missed by fans around the world.
Even after retirement from the international T20 scene, Kohli’s IPL performances are evidence of his unmatched consistency and hunger for runs. If he finishes as the leading run-getter this season, he will become the first Indian player and only the second overall to win three Orange Caps, a rare and prestigious milestone. He previously achieved this feat in the 2016 and 2023 seasons.
During the match against the Rajasthan Royals, Kohli led the charge with a well-crafted 70, while Devdutt Padikkal added a blistering 50 off 27 balls. The Royals, in response, fought valiantly but were restricted to 194/9, falling 11 runs short. Josh Hazlewood starred with the ball for RCB, finishing with impressive figures of 4/33, earning praise for his controlled bowling in key moments.
The win has propelled RCB to No. 3 on the IPL 2025 points table, keeping them firmly in the race for a playoff spot. Kohli’s leadership, experience, and form have played a significant role in the team’s resurgence this season.
While the cricketing world respects Kohli’s decision to bow out on a high, many, like Raina, believe the charismatic batter could have extended his dominance in T20Is for a few more years. With his current form and unwavering fitness, there’s no doubt that Virat Kohli remains a force to reckon with, both on and off the international stage.
Also Read:
