'He might take retirement' - Shoaib Akhtar makes a big prediction on Virat Kohli ahead of 20-20 World Cup 2022

Shoaib Akhtar-Virat Kohli (Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Francois Nel/Getty Images)

People wanted Virat Kohli to retire from the T20I format for his poor performances prior to the Asia Cup. However, things have taken a turn now and fans are backing him to do well in the 20-20 World Cup 2022. In between the two opinions, lies Virat Kohli’s break and decent outing in the Asia Cup 2022. 

The Delhi-born took a break from the sport and returned to the field for the Asia Cup 2022. The Indian great had a decent outing in the continental tournament and the fans changed their opinions right away. However, former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar feels otherwise. The pacer feels that the player might take retirement after the 20-20 World Cup 2022. 

In an interview with India.com, the 47-year-old predicted the retirement of the Indian great. He said that the player might retire from the shortest format to extend his longevity in other formats. 

“Kohli could take retirement (from T20Is) after the 20-20 World Cup (in Australia). He might do so as to extend his longevity in the other formats. If I was him, I would have looked at the larger picture and taken a call,” Akhtar said on air. 

However, Shoaib Akhtar is not the only person to predict Virat Kohli’s retirement. Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi said that the Indian veteran must retire on a high. 

Maybe in the same way how Virat Kohli began his career: Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistani great Shahid Afridi advised the Bangalore batter to retire on a high. He said on Samaa TV that Virat Kohli must retire when he’s in the best of forms and must not be dropped. 

“The way Virat has played and the start that he had to his career, there was struggle initially before he made a name for himself. He is a champion (player) and I think there’s time when you are approaching retirement and then, the aim should be to go out on a high,” the 45-year-old said. 

“It shouldn’t reach a stage that you get dropped from the team. It rarely happens though (players retiring at their peak). Very few players, especially cricketers from Asian teams make such calls. I feel when Virat does it (retirement), he will do it style and maybe in the same way how he began his career,” Afridi concluded.