Fresh from India’s victorious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, Virat Kohli has candidly addressed his lingering disappointment from India’s recent Test series in Australia. Speaking at the RCB Innovation Lab, the 36-year-old cricketing stalwart admitted that the sting of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss still lingers, acknowledging that he may not get another opportunity to rectify those setbacks.
“If you ask me what has been my most intense disappointment, the most recent Australia tour stands out. It still feels fresh, but I can’t dwell on it forever. I may not have another chance to tour Australia in four years. I need to accept what has happened and move on,” Kohli shared.
India had started the Test series on a high in November 2024, with Kohli leading from the front, scoring a century in Perth to secure a victory in the first Test. However, the team faltered thereafter, losing three of the next four matches. Kohli, too, struggled to maintain form, accumulating just 190 runs in nine innings at a modest average of 23.75. India’s batting woes were evident, as they failed to surpass the 250-run mark in six of their last eight innings.
Virat Kohli On Redemption and Expectation
Kohli also reflected on how external expectations added to his frustration. “When you start viewing disappointment through the lens of others’ expectations, the burden grows heavier. That’s what I experienced in Australia. After scoring in the first Test, I believed I could make this another great series, but it didn’t unfold that way. The key is to be honest with yourself and accept what has happened,” he remarked.
Drawing a comparison to his dismal 2014 England tour, where he managed only 134 runs at an average of 13.4 before making a strong comeback in 2018 with 593 runs and two centuries, Kohli acknowledged that such redemption may not be possible this time. “In 2014, I had the chance to return in 2018 and prove myself. This time, I might not get that opportunity,” he admitted.
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Despite speculation about his future, Kohli recently put an end to retirement rumors, stating, “I’m not making any announcements.” With the Champions Trophy triumph behind him, his focus now shifts to the IPL 2025 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Beyond his on-field exploits, Kohli continues to advocate for the advancement of Indian sports, emphasizing the importance of grassroots development in shaping a “sport-forward India by 2036.” However, his personal philosophy remains grounded in reality. “You can’t hold on to ‘what ifs.’ Sport teaches you to move forward, even when things don’t go your way,” he concluded.
