Virat Kohli took early retirement from T20Is, could have played till 2026: Suresh Raina

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) talismanic batter Virat Kohli is once again back in the race to win the Orange Cap in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His sensational half-century against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday, April 24, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium helped him climb up to No. 2 in the list of leading run-getters this season. He has scored 392 runs from nine innings at an average of 65.33 and a strike rate of 144.12.

Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket after helping India win the T20 World Cup last year in Barbados. However, Suresh Raina feels that his former India teammate retired early, as he could have continued till 2026. The ex-India batter lauded Kohli's batting rhythm and fitness.

"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 on Star Sports.

Kohli is the leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup history. He finished his career on a high, winning the Player of the Match award in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Kohli also has the most runs in the IPL. If he manages to finish as the highest run-scorer in the ongoing season, he will become the first Indian batter and second overall to win three Orange Caps. Notably, he finished as the highest run-getter last season in the cash-rich league.

RCB set up a total of 205/5 against Rajasthan on the back of Kohli's 70 off 42 balls. Devdutt Padikkal also contributed with a 27-ball 50. In reply, the Royals were restricted to 194/9. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers, as he finished with figures of 4/33 in his four overs. RCB moved to No. 3 on the points table with their win on Thursday.