Why Virat Kohli Spent Six Months in London After Test Retirement

Legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli returned to international cricket after a seven-month hiatus on Sunday, October 19, 2025, during the 1st ODI against Australia. The former captain had largely stayed away from the public eye following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory. Speaking ahead of the Perth clash, Kohli shared insights into his extended break in London, where he spent quality time with his wife and children.

In an exclusive conversation with Adam Gilchrist and Ravi Shastri, Kohli revealed that retiring from Test cricket allowed him to focus on personal life — a luxury he hadn’t experienced in over 15 years of relentless international cricket.

“Yeah, it’s been a long time off for me since I retired from Test cricket. I’ve just been catching up on life. Being able to spend quality time with my kids and family has been a really beautiful phase — something I’ve truly enjoyed,” said Kohli on Fox Cricket.

Kohli further explained that, given his rigorous schedule combining international cricket and the IPL, he had rarely taken a proper break. This hiatus, he said, was “refreshing” and allowed him to recharge both physically and mentally.

Kohli’s Fitness Routine Under Spotlight

During his London sabbatical, questions arose about Kohli’s fitness levels, especially after the BCCI phased out the Yo-Yo and Bronco Tests. Critics wondered whether the break might affect his on-field performance.

Kohli assured fans that he is currently in the fittest shape of his career. He emphasized that modern cricket demands both mental sharpness and physical readiness.

“I’m feeling as fit — if not fitter — than I’ve ever been. Mentally, I’m already locked in, and the physical preparation is what I focus on. My body just has to keep up with the game awareness, and that’s something I’ve worked hard to maintain,” Kohli explained.

The cricketer confirmed that his fielding, reflexes, and net sessions show that he is fully prepared for the Australia tour 2025.

ODI Return: Kohli Struggles Against Australia

Kohli’s return, however, didn’t start on a high note. In the series opener, he was dismissed for a duck, caught at point off Mitchell Starc in the 7th over. Observers noted familiar issues with Kohli’s batting technique against the Australian pace attack, particularly poking at deliveries outside off stump, which led to a catch at point by Cooper Connoly.

Despite the setback, Kohli remains focused on rebuilding form and leveraging his mental freshness gained from the six-month London break. Fans and analysts are optimistic that the legendary batter will regain his rhythm in the remaining ODIs.