Explained: Why Virat Kohli Should Retire After Champions Trophy 2025

Anurag Dasgupta

3 reasons why Kohli should retire [Source: AP Photo] 3 reasons why Kohli should retire [Source: AP Photo]

Another game and another low score by Virat Kohli. This has become a pattern in the last year that he doesn't seem to rectify and as a result, Kohli is getting dismissed in single-digit scores, not only in Tests, but in ODIs as well. The latest being in the second game of the series against the England team in Cuttack.

He started off with a lovely straight drive boundary, but everything went downhill as Jos Buttler introduced Kohli's nemesis into the attack and Adil Rashid got the prized wicket as Kohli departed for just 5. With Rohit Sharma smashing a century, pressure is on Kohli as the experienced batter is the only one in the top-6 who looks lost and perhaps time has come for him to retire and here's why.

1) Runs have dried up since 2024

Kohli ODI runs since 2024

Criterion
Data
Matches4
Runs63
50s/100s0

Post the 2023 World Cup, Kohli hasn't been the same batter and his runs have also dried up in a format where he genuinely excels. Since 2024, he has played in 4 ODI matches and has only accumulated just 63 runs as the bowlers have found their way to tackle him in ODI cricket. Just 63 runs is an average number for someone of his calibre.

His weakness against spin has been exposed and opponent captains tend to bring on spinners when Kohli comes out to bat as he struggles to pace his innings against them.

2) Not getting any younger

Kohli is 36 and is not getting any younger. Perhaps the Champions Trophy 2025 is his last chance to play a white-ball ICC tournament. The next white-ball tournament for Kohli will be the 2027 World Cup, and by that time, he'll be 38. Hence, it is time to retire at the end of the Champions Trophy and groom the youngsters for the 2027 World Cup.

3) Kohli not working on his weakness

Outside the off stump has been Kohli's enemy since his early days. While he did worked on it post the 2014 England tour, but that problem has reoccurred and Kohli hasn't worked on it again. Another weakness has been his game-play against spin bowling.

Adil Rashid took his wicket in the game and this was the 10th time that the wily spinner dismissed Kohli across formats. Kohli in his earlier days used to be aggressive against the spinners, but nowadays he allows them to dictate the terms.