'It Might Not Be A Bad Time To Say Good Bye..'- AB De Villiers On Virat Kohli's ODI Retirement
Virat Kohli will play his fourth ODI World Cup next month [AP]
Having served Indian cricket since 2008, former captain Virat Kohli is nearing the twilight of his famed career, which has seen the highs and lows of the international arena.
Kohli, 34, will embark on his fourth ODI World Cup for India next month, having featured in 2011, 2015 and 2019 editions. Of late, Kohli's white-ball form has been phenomenal, having scored five international centuries already this year.
Kohli, ahead of the World Cup 2023 in India, was rested for India's first two ODIs against Australia and rejoined the side for the third and final encounter.
Former South Africa captain and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate AB de Villiers spoke about the upcoming WC being Kohli's last if India win the global showpiece event.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers explained that India winning the title could be the perfect stage for Kohli to bid 'goodbye' to 50-overs cricket and focus on Tests and IPL.
'If they win this World Cup, it might not be a bad time for Kohli to say good bye'- De Villiers
"I know he loves travelling to South Africa (for the 2027 World Cup), but it's very difficult to say. It is a long time away. Let's focus on this one first, I think that's what Virat Kohli would tell you. I think if they win this World Cup, it might not be a bad time to say, 'Thank you very much. I am maybe just going to play Test cricket for the next few years and a little bit of IPL, enjoy the last bit of my career, have enough family time, and say goodbye to everyone", De Villiers said.
"But he is in incredible shape and is mentally still there. He has been rested from time to time, which I think is a great move. So, I think the hunger and the fire will still be there," he added.
Kohli will be in action for India when they clash against five-time champions Australia at Rajkot in the third and final ODI tomorrow.
 "Vishal Mehra")
