Virat Kohli, India’s star batter, has ruled out a comeback to T20 international cricket for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Representing one of five new sports at the LA Games, cricket is scheduled to make its Olympic comeback for the first time since 1900.
Though the qualifying method for teams is yet under development, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated that the event would take place in the T20 style.
Given the great economic appeal of cricket in India, organizers are keen to take advantage of its inclusion to increase India’s Olympic involvement. India seems quite likely to participate in the event.
After helping India win the T20 World Cup, Kohli resigned from T20 internationals but still plays in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Speaking at a sports summit alongside his IPL team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the 36-year-old said of the Olympic return of cricket as a “great opportunity for some of our guys.”
When asked whether he would be interested in playing in Los Angeles 2028 out of retirement, Kohli firmly said, “No.” He said sarcastically, “might come back for one game, get a medal, and return home” should India be vying for a gold medal.
It is crucial to note that the former skipper had a remarkable T20I record, having participated in 125 games for India and accumulated 4,189 runs at an outstanding average of 48.69.
With former Indian skipper Rohit Sharma leading with 4,231 runs, followed by top Pakistan batsman Babar Azam in second position with 4,211 runs, he is presently the third-highest run-scorer in the format.
