Former CSK star Suresh Raina, fondly known as Mr. IPL, is blown away by Virat Kohli’s red-hot form in IPL 2025 — and he's not alone. After Kohli's brilliant 70-run knock against Rajasthan Royals, which helped Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) grab their first home win this season, Raina made a bold and emotional statement: “T20 World Cup should have been played in 2026!”

Kohli’s Thunderous Return to Form

• 70 runs off 42 balls against Rajasthan Royals
• 5 half-centuries this season
• Powered RCB to 6 wins in 9 matches, now sitting 3rd on the points table
• Jumped from 8th to 2nd in the Orange Cap race
• 392 runs at an average of 65, strike rate of 144
• Only behind Sai Sudharsan (417 runs) in total runs

Raina’s Take: Kohli Retired Too Soon

On Star Sports, Raina said:

“He retired prematurely. Kohli should have played in the T20 World Cup 2026. His fitness, running between the wickets, and IPL form prove he still has a lot to offer.”

While Raina didn’t directly call for Kohli to un-retire, the message was loud and clear: India still needs Virat in T20Is.

Kohli’s Glorious T20 Goodbye

Virat retired from T20 Internationals after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. In the final against South Africa, he played a match-winning knock of 76 runs and was named Player of the Match, walking away on a high note.

But now, with his IPL bat doing all the talking, whispers of a comeback — at least among fans and former players — are getting louder.