Just days before India's marquee clash against Pakistan, former Pakistani wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal sparked a fresh debate around Virat Kohli's future at the Indian Premier League.
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Kohli lifted his first-ever IPL trophy after 18 long years earlier in June as RCB were crowned champions, defeating the Punjab Kings in a thrilling IPL 2025 final.
Virat Kohli can retire from the IPL if he feels his reputation is being hampered
In a recent podcast on YouTube on 'The Game Plan', former Pakistani keeper-batter Kamran Akmal gave rise to speculation surrounding Kohli's retirement from the IPL.
Kohli has called time on his Test and T20I careers over the last two years and is only part of India's ODI setup. He additionally plays for the the Bengaluru-based franchise RCB in IPL, where fans have still been able to witness the India legend continue in action playing the shortest format.
"If he feels his name, his reputation is being damaged, he can definitely take such a decision (of retiring from the IPL) - just like he did in Test cricket, said Akmal. "There is something wrong; he can't just go the way he did, something has definitely happened which only god or the BCCI knows."
Kohli retired from Test cricket in May, ahead of the away Test series against England. His decision came as a shock to fans and experts alike, as they believed that the India great could well have continued playing his favorite format.
Kamran Akmal surprised by Virat Kohli's Test retirement
After Kohli announced his retirement, his wife Anushka Sharma also mentioned that she believed her husband would retire from cricket in Indian whites, and somehow, the decision surprised her as well.
"He surprisingly retired from Tests, which indicates that something was fishy...but it's too early now (to retire from the IPL), but I don't feel that he'll think twice if he sees something wrong floating around about him, he'll definitely do it in such a case (retire from the IPL)," added the wicket-keeper.
Virat Kohli is known for putting his self-respect above everything else. He previously gave up the Test captaincy when fingers were pointed at him. On the other hand, he left T20I cricket on a high with a younger generation waiting, but his retirement from Test cricket is still a mystery for the Indian cricket fans.
MORE: IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025: Shahid Afridi adds fuel to fire with 'bad egg' dig at ex-India player
Kohli has been the flagbearer of Test cricket globally, bringing back the passion and love for the purest format of the game. He ended his Test career with 9230 runs and as India's most successful red-ball skipper.
What's next for Virat Kohli?
Kohli last featured in a competitive game back in June during the IPL finals, while he last played for India in March this year.
The great man is expected to be back for India's ODI tour to Australia later next month. India will play three matches in a three-match ODI series against the 50-over World Champions.
If reports are to be believed, fans might see the Indian legend in action even earlier during the India A's 50-over games against Australia A
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