Virat Kohli Shifts Focus to IPL After Test Retirement Announcement

Virat Kohli has shifted his focus to the IPL following his recent retirement from Test cricket. RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, emphasized Kohli's desire to concentrate solely on his current role with the team, aiming for their first title. Kohli's impressive Test career, marked by over 120 matches and nearly 10,000 runs, is a testament to his talent and dedication. As the team prepares to face Kolkata Knight Riders, Kohli remains determined and clear-minded about his goals for the future. Bobat reflects on Kohli's legacy and the impact he has had on the game, showcasing the respect and pride the franchise holds for him.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2025, 20:10 IST

Kohli's New Chapter with RCB

Virat Kohli is moving past the buzz surrounding his retirement from Test cricket and is now concentrating on his current role—leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru towards their long-desired title. Mo Bobat, the Director of Cricket for RCB, emphasized this during a pre-match press conference as the tournament resumes after a brief hiatus. The team is set to compete against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 17 at their home ground in Bengaluru. Bobat made it clear that Kohli is not interested in any distractions or excessive attention.

“First thing to say is, Virat Kohli’s just business as usual. There’s enough of the public and nation’s attention on him, he doesn’t want any more of that. He just wants to get on with business, he is usually ambitious about what we can achieve with RCB. That’s his focus.”

Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, concluding a remarkable career with over 120 matches and nearly 10,000 runs. However, he remains focused and driven, with his sights set on IPL 2025. Bobat remarked,

“I would like to say though that he should be incredibly proud of what he’s done as a Test player for India. RCB as a franchise, we are all incredibly proud of what every one of our players does in an India shirt, but in particular him. To play 120 plus Test matches and to score nearly 10,000 runs is no mean feat.”

Bobat Reflects on Kohli's Test Legacy

Bobat, who has experience with the England cricket setup, shared memorable insights about Kohli’s determination, particularly during the 2018 Test series in England. He noted that getting Kohli out was always a top priority for the English team.

“He was always the batter you wanted to get out. You knew that if he was either in the pavilion to come or at the crease, you were in trouble. Some of my fondest memories of watching Test cricket involve him.”

Recalling the intense match at Edgbaston, Bobat described the scene with enthusiasm:

“I’ll never forget the 2018 India series in England. The Test at Edgbaston, watching James Anderson and him do battle like two gladiators. I think James Anderson must have bowled nine overs on the trot at him. It was two of the best players in the world doing their thing. That’s what he’s about. He’s about those special moments, those inspiring moments.”

“He did that as captain, as a player. We’re all really proud of him. I’m sure the fans will show him lots of love this week when they see him again. But just to go back to where I started, he’s business as usual. We all are. He’s spoken to a few of us about things in the last few weeks, but you know what he's like. He's pretty clear-minded, so he's clear on what he wants to do.”