The cricketing world hasn’t been the same without Virat Kohli. Since taking a break from international cricket after the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Kohli has maintained a low profile, leading to intense speculation about his next move. As of June 2025, one question echoes louder than ever across cricket forums and social media: Is Virat Kohli planning a comeback in IPL 2025, or does he have his sights set on something even bigger?
Let’s dive into what’s known, what’s rumored, and what the future might hold for one of India’s greatest cricketing icons.
A Break That Sparked Speculation
Following a commendable run in the 2023 World Cup, where Kohli finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, he surprised fans and media by announcing an extended break from all forms of cricket in early 2024. The official reason? Mental and physical rejuvenation, spending time with family, and pursuing off-field interests.
Since then, Kohli has remained away from active competition, skipping the IPL 2024, the India-England Test series (Feb–March 2024), and even the T20 World Cup 2024. This hiatus has led many to wonder whether the 36-year-old former captain is carefully planning his final act—or quietly winding down a legendary career.
IPL 2025: A Stage Set for Return?
According to recent BCCI reports and unofficial statements from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) management, Kohli has not retired from the IPL, and remains under contract for the 2025 season. Sources suggest that discussions are ongoing to bring him back as a marquee player for the 2025 edition.
With IPL 2025 likely to begin in March 2025, just after the Women’s Champions Trophy and before India’s home series against New Zealand, Kohli’s return could align perfectly with RCB’s leadership plans. While Faf du Plessis remains the current captain, franchise insiders believe Kohli could return in a mentorship and part-time playing role to stabilize the middle order and guide younger players like Rajat Patidar and Suyash Prabhudessai.
If all goes as planned, Virat Kohli could mark his comeback on March 28, 2025, during RCB’s home opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Beyond IPL: India Duty in 2025?
Despite stepping away from the international scene, Kohli has not officially retired from international cricket. In a brief appearance at a Puma event in Mumbai in May 2025, Kohli stated, “I’m not done yet. The bat will speak when the time is right.”
Insiders within the BCCI believe Kohli might target one of the following key events:
- India vs South Africa Test series (July–August 2025) – A perfect return to the red-ball format.
- Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025-26 in Australia (Dec 2025–Jan 2026) – Where Kohli has always performed brilliantly.
- Champions Trophy 2025 (February–March 2025 in India) – While less likely due to its ODI format and Kohli’s age, it remains an outside possibility.
His comeback will depend on fitness levels, team dynamics, and selection committee strategy. But knowing Kohli’s hunger and work ethic, a return in India colours seems more a matter of “when” than “if.”
Fitness, Form & Focus
According to training footage leaked in June 2025 from a private facility in Alibaug, Kohli has maintained peak fitness. He’s also been working with his long-time personal trainer and batting coach on refining his T20 game.
Social media posts featuring Virat and Anushka Sharma also suggest he’s mentally refreshed and more balanced than ever before. Friends and former teammates, including AB de Villiers, have hinted in interviews that “Kohli is not done; the fire is still there.”
Kohli’s Legacy: More Than Just Runs
Even during his break, Virat Kohli remains one of the most searched cricketers globally. His influence on young players, his match-winning mentality, and his never-say-die attitude are etched into modern cricket’s DNA.
As Kohli weighs his return, fans await more than just runs—they await the emotion, intensity, and excellence that only he brings to the game.
Final Thoughts
Virat Kohli’s comeback in IPL 2025 seems highly probable, with signs pointing to a carefully timed return for both franchise and perhaps international cricket. Whether it’s a powerful IPL season, a final dance in Tests, or one last World Cup appearance, one thing is clear: Kohli is far from done.
Cricket’s fiercest competitor is just pausing—before writing his final, glorious chapter.
