"He's happier than ever": Life after retirement looks good on Virat Kohli

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor Dinesh Karthik has opened up about Virat Kohli's life following his surprise retirement from international Test cricket. Kohli, who bid farewell to the longest format of the game on May 12 after an illustrious 14-year journey with Team India, has transitioned into a new phase – balancing family life and franchise commitments with remarkable composure and renewed passion.

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Kohli’s return to competitive cricket was closely watched as he stepped onto the field for RCB against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The former India captain showed no signs of rust, delivering a vintage performance with a brisk 43 off 25 deliveries, peppered with seven boundaries and a towering six. His aggressive approach suggested a man still very much in love with the game, even after stepping back from one of its most demanding arenas.

Speaking about Kohli’s mindset post-retirement, Dinesh Karthik noted the significant personal shift in the star batter’s life. “It came as a shock to the outside world, so we are just observing what Virat is up to. He is at his happiest now, he is enjoying the sport, he really wants to spend his time with his family,” Karthik told NDTV Sports. “It’s a personal decision, we respect it… but the fact is, it’s great to see him happy and ready whenever we want him to play. The key is to keep him in good spirits.”

Kohli’s decision to retire from Tests appears to be paying off, especially in the Indian Premier League 2025 season, where he's been in sublime form. At 36, he has racked up 548 runs in just 12 matches, including seven half-centuries, and is scoring at an impressive strike rate of 145.35. His consistency at the top of the order has been instrumental in keeping RCB’s playoff hopes alive.

Despite Kohli's heroics, RCB faces a challenging path in the IPL. Their 42-run defeat to SRH has dented their chances of finishing in the top two on the points table. Their final league-stage match is a crucial encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27, once again at the Ekana Stadium. However, even a win might not suffice if Punjab Kings (PBKS) secure victories in both of their remaining matches.