Virat Kohli Should Play 2026 T20 World Cup- Suresh Raina

During the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), former Team India batsman Suresh Raina expressed his opinions over Virat Kohli's retirement from Twenty20 Internationals.

According to Raina, Kohli may have decided to retire early from Twenty20 Internationals, but he might still participate in the upcoming World Cup.

Virat retired after the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph

After helping Team India win the 2024 T20 World Cup, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batsman declared his retirement from Twenty20 international cricket.

With a game-winning performance in the summit match against South Africa in Barbados, where he was named Player of the Match, Kohli concluded his T20I career on a high note.

India to feel Virat Kohli’s absence in the next T20 World Cup

Virat Kohli said it was time for younger players to take over after declaring his T20I retirement, and that shift has already started. India's T20I future is being shaped by a new generation under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership.

Taking Kohli's No. 3 slot has been one of the most difficult tasks. Although Suryakumar played the part for a short time, Tilak Varma has become a serious contender because of his reliable performances.

With India hosting the upcoming T20 World Cup, the squad is taking a new, contemporary approach. Without seasoned players like Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, they will be aiming to defend their crown.

Virat Kohli could’ve played till 2026: Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina claimed that Virat Kohli has prematurely resigned from Twenty20 international cricket during the Star Sports Hindi commentary. Kohli is still at the top of his game and could have easily played until at least the 2026 T20 World Cup, Raina noted.

"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.

Here is the video:

Virat hits his 5th fifty of #TATAIPL's 18th season! 🔥@ImRaina feels King #Kohli retired too soon in T20Is, could’ve played till 2026! 😳

Do you agree with #SureshRaina? 🤔

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/QeXtGdMkYp#IPLonJioStar 👉 #RCBvRR | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1,… pic.twitter.com/m1Dhd1tHIX

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 24, 2025

In the IPL 2025 season, Virat Kohli is still playing brilliantly for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He is once again one of the best players in the event after winning the Orange Cap in 2024. With 392 runs in nine games at a remarkable average of 65.33, the right-handed batter is presently ranked second on the list of run scorers.

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