Team India star Virat Kohli has finally broken his silence after being away from cricket for almost five months. The legendary batter shared that the time away from the game allowed him to spend quality moments with his family and recharge before making his highly awaited return to international cricket.
Kohli Reflects on Life After Retirement from Tests
After retiring from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, Kohli shifted his focus to One-Day Internationals (ODIs). His last competitive appearance was in IPL 2025, where he led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a memorable title win. Following the triumph, he moved to London with his family for a much-needed break.
Speaking ahead of the India vs Australia ODI series, Kohli revealed how refreshing the past few months have been.
“It’s been a long time off for me since I retired from Test cricket,” Kohli said on JioHotstar.
“I’ve just been catching up on life, spending quality time with my kids and family at home. It’s been a beautiful, fulfilling phase that I’ve really enjoyed.”
A Special Connection with Australia
Kohli is set to make his international return in the ODI series against Australia, a team and venue that hold a special place in his heart. The Indian ace has an outstanding record in Australia, scoring 1,327 runs in 29 matches, often dominating the Australian bowling attack.
“It’s always lovely to be back in Australia — a place where I’ve really enjoyed my cricket,” Kohli shared.
“Over the years, there have been many hard-fought battles. When you play competitive and fair cricket, you eventually gain respect from your opponents. That’s what I’ve experienced here.”
Fond Memories in Perth
The former Indian captain also expressed his admiration for Perth, one of his favorite cricket venues.
“I love coming to Perth. It’s relaxed, the wickets are beautiful to bat on, and the pace and bounce make it exciting for any batter,” Kohli added.
As fans eagerly await his return, Kohli’s comeback adds immense excitement to the India vs Australia ODI series, reigniting one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries.
