'If I was him, I would have looked at the larger picture'- Shoaib Akhtar makes bold retirement prediction about Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli ended his century drought with a sensational knock of 122* in 61 deliveries at the Asia Cup 2022. The century knock ended the Indian batter’s 1021 days of struggle, putting him back on the path of record-breaking form. 

With his latest century, the right-hand batter has moved to the joint second on the list for most centuries (71) with Rickey Pointing, just behind Sachin Tendulkar (100). His return to form has also eliminated India’s top-order woes that have been plaguing the side for a long time now. 

Kohli is now setting his sights on the upcoming 20-20 World Cup in Australia and looks to leave a mark on the mega event. While all Indian cricket fans would want the popular batter to play for as long as possible, former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar is of a different opinion. In a recent interview with India.com, the legendary pacer predicted Virat Kohli to take retirement after the World Cup in order to extend his Test career. 

The Rawalpindi Express said, “Kohli could take retirement (from T20Is) after the T20 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.” 

The aim should be to go out on a high: Shahid Afridi

Earlier, another former Pakistan cricketer, Shahid Afridi had suggested Kohli not wait for the selectors to drop him and take retirement when he's at the height of his powers. 

“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," Afridi said on Samaa TV.

“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 has said earlier.