For legendary athletes like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli The Twilight of their careers is often accompanied by a relentless hum of retirement talk. Age plays a crucial role becoming a talking point that overshadows their performance and fitness levels; this phenomenon is not only limited to cricket as it is particularly amplified in the Indian sporting landscape. Tendulkar suffered from it and Kohli despite showing no signs of flowing down find himself facing a similar wave of speculations
The recent lean patch of Virat Kohli may have emboldened his detractors but his undeniable fitness and consistent scores silence his critics. But a small hint regarding “when will it end?” Seems to linger when he speaks publicly the questions morph but the underlying message remains: how long can he maintain this level? Is the hunger for running still there?
Just like Sachin Tendulkar, Kohli navigates the scrutiny with a self assurance he constantly reaffirms his commitment to the sport, acknowledging the inevitable and date for all athletes.
At a recent event of Royal Challengers Bangalore he declared, “I am just working backwards.”
The question is not whether retirement is approaching it is but has Kohli set his specific timeline? The answer is no. His primary focus it seems is ensuring a career divide of any regrets. After all, half heartedness is not part of Kohli’s vocabulary ; he is either fully invested or not at all.
He confessed with a smile. I don’t want to wonder what if after looking back? There has to be an end. but I want to ensure I leave no unfinished business behind.”
Kohli further re-assured his fans saying once I am done I will be gone. You won’t see me for a while.” This complete departure from the LimeLight hints at a desire for a clean break, a stark contrast to the constant public presence most expect from him. Perhaps when he finally hangs up his boots a different side of Kohli will emerge.
It is very difficult to imagine the cricket world without the vibrant presence of Kohli. His larger than life persona makes a Low key post retirement life seem improbable. But that is the Kohli we know the cricketer.
