‘Really enjoyed...’: Virat Kohli on post-Test retirement phase

Perth (Australia): India’s star batter Virat Kohli revealed that his break after retiring from Test cricket earlier this year was a “beautiful phase,” giving him the opportunity to spend quality time with his family.

Kohli had retired from T20 cricket following India’s World Cup triumph last year and bid farewell to Test cricket earlier this year. He made a much-anticipated return to Indian cricket in the first ODI of the three-match series against Australia on Sunday.

Following the conclusion of the IPL 2025 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in May, Kohli flew directly to the UK and returned to India only before heading to Australia.

Ahead of the toss in the first ODI, Kohli spoke to Ravi Shastri and Adam Gilchrist on Fox Cricket Australia, saying: “It's been a long time off for me since I retired from Test cricket. Just catching up on life… being able to spend some quality time with your kids, with family at home. It's been a beautiful, beautiful phase and something that I've really enjoyed.”

However, Kohli’s ODI return ended in disappointment, as he was dismissed for a duck against Australia in Perth. At the time, India were 24/2 after seven overs, with Australia’s spin all-rounder Cooper Connolly diving to his left to complete the catch at point.

In 303 ODIs and 291 innings, Kohli has amassed 14,181 runs at an average of 57.64, including 51 centuries and 74 fifties, making him the third-highest run-scorer in ODI history. He is just 54 runs shy of surpassing Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs in 404 matches) to become the second-highest run-getter in ODIs.

Currently, Kohli shares the record for most centuries in a single format with Sachin Tendulkar (51 in Tests). One more century would mark his 52nd in ODIs, setting a new record for most centuries by a batter in a single format.
(With ANI inputs)