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Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has jokingly hinted at a T20I retirement U-turn to play for India in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but only if a gold medal is on the line.
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Kohli Open to One-Off Olympic Appearance?
The 36-year-old batting maestro, who retired from T20Is after India’s historic T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, made the lighthearted remark while speaking at the RCB Innovation Lab event in Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2025.
When former England cricketer Isa Guha asked if he would consider making a return for the Olympics, Kohli quipped:
🗣️ “For the Olympics? Maybe? If we are playing for the gold medal, I may come back for one game (laughs). Get a medal and come back home. To be an Olympic champion would be a magnificent feeling, the first of its kind.”
This statement sparked excitement among fans, as cricket will return to the Olympics after 128 years in the T20I format at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Kohli on the IPL’s Role in Cricket’s Olympic Entry
Reflecting on the growth of T20 cricket, Kohli acknowledged the IPL’s impact in bringing the sport to the global stage, making it Olympic-worthy.
🗣️ “So many T20 leagues are played all over the world, and I think the IPL has definitely played a massive role in that as well. It has brought cricket to a stage where it is now part of the Olympics. It’s a great opportunity for some of our guys.”
Kohli on Women’s Cricket and India’s Sporting Future
Apart from discussing his own future, Kohli also praised the rise of women’s cricket in India, especially with the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
🗣️ “They were their own catalysts. The way they started playing, you could see the belief. People started engaging with it, and eventually, commercials improved, money flowed in, and now we have the WPL.”
Kohli emphasized that a strong sporting culture is essential for a country’s progress in sports.
🗣️ “Looking at men for the improvement of sport in any country is not enough. Sports culture includes everyone, and women’s sport is a massive part of it. India is making strides in tennis, badminton, wrestling, and boxing, and the infrastructure must keep improving.”
Will Kohli Make a Comeback in 2028?
Although Kohli’s comments were made in jest, fans can’t help but dream of the possibility of seeing him in action one last time on the biggest global stage. If India competes for Olympic gold, will Kohli make a one-off comeback to lead the Men in Blue?
Only time will tell!
