Why Virat Kohli moved to London after IPL 2025
What's the story
Virat Kohli, one of cricket's all-time greats, has opened up about his decision to spend a significant amount of time in London after the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). The star batsman said that the break allowed him to reconnect with his family and enjoy quality time at home. Joining former greats Ravi Shastri and Adam Gilchrist for a chat, Kohli said that he had not taken a substantial break during his 15-year international career.
Break significance
I've just been catching up on life: Kohli
Earlier this year, Kohli won his maiden IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). As mentioned, he flew to London thereafter. Ahead of India's England tour, Kohli and Rohit Sharma also retired from Test cricket. Talking about his break, Kohli said, "Yeah, it's been a long time off for me since I retired from Test cricket, and as I was saying, I've just been catching up on life." Kohli described the time spent with his family as a "beautiful phase."
Fitness focus
Kohli assures fans he is fit as ever
Despite the long break, Kohli assured fans that he is as fit as ever. He said, "I'm feeling as fit, if not fitter, than I've ever been." The batsman emphasized the importance of both physical and mental aspects of the game. He said he was already mentally prepared and only had to make sure his body stayed in shape, something he has worked hard at.
Return challenges
Kohli returns to international cricket with a duck
Kohli's return to international cricket wasn't smooth. He played his first international since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final. He was dismissed for an eight-ball duck by Mitchell Starc in the 1st ODI against Australia in Perth. According to Cricbuzz, this was the first instance of Kohli recording a duck in 30 ODI innings in Australia. As of now, the Indian dasher has slammed 802 runs from 19 ODI innings at 44.55 Down Under. His tally includes 3 tons.
Australia
Kohli on facing the Aussies
Kohli also shed light on his dream run against Australia across formats. He said, "Well, you know, growing up watching cricket as a kid, you know, when we used to wake up early in the morning and watch daylight cricket in Australia, you'd see the ball flying off the pitch and, you know, the opposition in your face." "And I used to feel like, wow, if I'd be able to step up in these conditions and against this opposition."