India’s batting superstar Virat Kohli has reacted to his close friend and Indian men’s football team captain Sunil Chhetri’s sudden announcement of his retirement from international football.
On Thursday, May 16, the 39-year-old striker confirmed that the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6 will be his last appearance in national colors. The game will take place at Salt Lake Stadium on June 6. Notably, the Indian men’s football team is currently sitting second in Group A with four points, trailing behind Qatar.
After the legendary Indian footballer’s announcement on social media, Kohli, who is currently playing in the ongoing IPL 2024 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), reacted to the news by saying, “My brother, proud” on his Instagram handle.
He is at peace with the decision: Virat Kohli on Sunil Chhetri’s retirement
On the RCB Insider Show, the dashing right-hander opened up about the message he received from Chhetri and his friendship with the iconic footballer over the years. Kohli revealed that Chhetri reached out to him to share his decision, and he believes that his friend felt a sense of peace about his decision to retire from the game.
The former Indian cricket team captain also revealed that his close bond with Chhetri has grown over the years. In the end, Kohli expressed his warm wishes for his friend’s future endeavors and expressed his admiration for Chhetri as a person and sportsperson.
Virat Kohli said on the RCB Insider Show: “He actually messaged me as well, informing me that he is going to do it. But I would say that he felt like he is at peace with the decision. Over the years, I have become really close with him. I wish him nothing but the best. He is a lovely, lovely guy.”
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Mr. Nags meets Virat Kohli 👑, cuts a cake 🎂 to celebrate the 10th year of @bigbasket_com presents RCB Insider Show and relives their friendship over the years.#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/fzJ2EGZrFm
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Notably, Sunil Chhetri began his India journey against Pakistan in 2005 at Quetta, and he was named India’s captain in 2010. Under his leadership, India achieved significant victories, including triumphs at the 2012 Nehru Cup and four SAFF Championships in 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023.
Virat Kohli gearing up for crucial IPL 2024 clash
As a prolific striker, Chhetri ranks fourth after football icons Lionel Messi (106 goals), Ali Daei (108 goals), and Cristiano Ronaldo (128 goals) in international football’s all-time goal-scoring list, with an impressive tally of 94 goals in 150 games.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli is in great form in the ongoing IPL 2024 for RCB. The former RCB skipper is the leading run-scorer in the tournament, with 661 runs in 13 games so far. He will be seen in action in the do-or-die IPL 2024 clash against the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, May 18, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Both RCB and CSK will be looking for a win in this game, as a loss would end Bengaluru’s campaign on Saturday, while the defending champions will make it to the IPL 2024 playoff. RCB is currently in the sixth spot with 12 points, while CSK is in the fourth spot with 16 points, and both teams have only one game remaining to earn two crucial points to reach the playoffs.
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