The buzz surrounding Virat Kohli’s possible final tour of Australia has only grown louder since India touched down Down Under. Early Thursday, Kohli added fuel to the speculation with a cryptic post on X (formerly Twitter):
The only time you truly fail, is when you decide to give up.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 16, 2025
“The only time you truly fail is when you decide to give up.”
The timing of the message was hard to miss. With chatter building about the international futures of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two icons of Indian cricket, legends Matthew Hayden and AB de Villiers weighed in during the launch of Test Twenty, a proposed fourth format of the game.
“I Hope It’s Not Their Last” — Matthew Hayden
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden believes the presence of Kohli and Rohit still wearing India’s whites is invaluable, though he admits their time might be drawing to a close.
“Look, more than likely. But they’re going to have their mind’s eye on the 2027 World Cup. And so they should,” Hayden said.
Reflecting on leadership transitions, Hayden added,
“I was kind of surprised that after the Champions Trophy, Rohit was unpacked as captain. But I also get it. Shubman Gill is being groomed. It takes time to build a leader.”
Drawing comparisons to Australia’s golden era, Hayden said having senior players like Rohit and Kohli in the dressing room was a priceless advantage.
“Having Rohit in the house, having Virat in the house — that’s gold. They’re not just players; they’re mentors in the dugout. I hope it’s not their last [tour], but you can’t play forever, unfortunately.”
“Take What We Can Get” — AB de Villiers
While Hayden was pragmatic, AB de Villiers spoke with heartfelt emotion. A long-time IPL teammate and close friend of Kohli, de Villiers likened watching him now to witnessing Tiger Woods in his comeback years.
“I’ll probably answer in a similar manner as Haydos. I’m just happy we can still see them play competitive cricket,” he said. “They know what they still want to achieve — and as Hayden alluded to, that 2027 World Cup is probably the main target.”
With a smile, he added:
“I’m one of those guys who take what I can get. If Tiger Woods comes back and makes a few shots, I’m just happy he’s playing. Same with these two. I just wish them all the success and a fantastic end to their careers, whenever that may finish.”
Kohli’s Next Chapter
At 36, Virat Kohli continues to defy time — his hunger undiminished, his fitness unmatched. Yet there’s a quiet acceptance in the cricket world that the curtain is nearing its fall on one of the sport’s most remarkable careers.
If this indeed proves to be his final Australian summer, few would doubt that Kohli will script one last unforgettable act — fierce, focused, and filled with the same passion that defined his debut years Down Under.
Because for Virat Kohli, the end has never been about fading quietly — it’s about leaving the game roaring.