Virat Kohli, the champion batter, put retirement speculations to rest on Saturday, asserting that he’s far from hanging up his boots. Speaking at the RCB Innovation Lab in Bengaluru, the 36-year-old emphasized his enduring passion for cricket, fueled by a competitive streak that remains as strong as ever. Fresh off a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai, Kohli quashed rumours with a smile: “Don’t get nervous. I’m not making any announcements. I still love playing the game.”

Kohli, once driven by milestones, now plays for the “pure joy” of cricket. “It’s about enjoyment, competitive spirit, and love for the game. As long as that’s there, I’ll keep going,” he said. However, he admitted that age has made staying at the top tougher. “In your mid-30s, it takes more effort than in your 20s. I can’t do as much, but I feel peaceful now,” he reflected.

The former India captain opened up about the challenge of pinpointing the right time to retire. Recalling a chat with Rahul Dravid, he said, “The competitive streak makes it hard to accept when it’s time. You might think a lean phase is the end, but it may not be.” Kohli’s recent Australia tour, where he scored a hundred in Perth but faltered later, exemplified this struggle. “I don’t have another four years to fix it, so I’ve made peace with it,” he said.

To manage disappointment, Kohli stressed tuning out external noise. “If you dwell on outside pressure, it burdens you more. After Perth, I thought it’d be a big series, but it didn’t happen. I accept it and stay honest with myself,” he said. For now, Kohli remains committed, balancing energy and calm as he continues his cricketing journey.