Virat Kohli memes break internet as fans speculate on his ODI retirement

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli ’s sudden retirement from Test cricket on Monday has left fans stunned. With the announcement taking the world of cricket by surprise, the internet flooded with a wave of memes, tributes, and speculation about his future in the one-day internationals (ODIs).

Having already stepped away from T20 internationals following India's World Cup triumph in 2024, Kohli now remains active only in the 50-over format, prompting widespread assumptions that the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup could be his final appearance in Indian colours.

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Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), exploded with reactions.

Fans shared nostalgic throwbacks, emotional edits, and humorous memes, grappling with the idea of a future Indian side without Kohli.

Only 24 odi till 2027 wc.
pic.twitter.com/AoFuj8G4wu

— Shauryx (@Kohli_Devotee) May 12, 2025

The ODI World Cup is just two years away, and by then, the current three-year IPL cycle will be ending too. These might be Kohli's final 2–3 years in cricket. As he said, whether he wins an IPL trophy or not, it's fine—at this stage, it's all about enjoying whatever time is left pic.twitter.com/YQd9KlxdLP

— Flavia (@FlaviaNagpal) May 12, 2025

Kohli retiring from Tests and playing ODI
Smith retiring from ODIs and playing tests. pic.twitter.com/2p9XywxtgD

— Nitish Dhawan (@nitishdhawan19) May 12, 2025

Already Retired from T20's

Today Retired from Test cricket 💔

I think ODI WC27 will be the last one

My dream is to see Virat Kohli roaring like a lion live,but the situation is not going to be possible

Please set it up so that anyone can watch Kohli live before he retires pic.twitter.com/HIZpwP9MYo

— pandu indian pk&vk cult🦅🇮🇳 (@pandupkvkcult) May 12, 2025

Dear @BCCI please add more odis to the calender till the 2027 odi wc. At least Virat kohli will reach 100 centuries. This is the only hope.

— viratfan24 (@SrinathreddyKe1) May 12, 2025

Shameless me expecting 19 centuries in odi 😭 pic.twitter.com/smQNDyJtdZ

— Shauryx (@Kohli_Devotee) May 12, 2025

It's time to conquer Odi one more time Kohli saab #ViratKohli𓃵pic.twitter.com/i3Dk6QpsKr

— S 🎶#269 (@254off336) May 12, 2025

#TestCricket

If RCB wins This Year He Will Retire From IPL Too#Kohli #ViratKohli𓃵
After 2027 World Cup Retire In ODI pic.twitter.com/fhYEVZDKtp

— தமிழ் (@singlechild_) May 12, 2025

Virat Kohli ne test cricket ko bye kar diya, ab bas IPL aur ODI mein hi dekh payenge 🥺💔#ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/xr27fKA0n3

— Cricket Pe Charcha 24x7 (@cpc24x7) May 12, 2025

Amid the buzz, Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma weighed in, praising the star batter’s extraordinary Test journey and expressing hope for one last hurrah in ODIs.

"I salute him for his tremendous contribution to Indian Cricket, and as a coach, I am proud of him for what he has done for the country and the example he has set for the youngsters. Emotionally, it hurts that we won't be seeing him in whites again for the country. I appreciate and back his decision...Hopefully, he will be there to win the ODI World Cup (in 2027) for India, and he will be 100 per cent committed to it," Sharma told ANI.

Kohli’s Test career, spanning over 14 years, saw highs and lows, but his legacy is unquestionable: 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, 30 centuries, and countless iconic moments.

He was instrumental in redefining India’s overseas performance and was the backbone of the side during its transition phase.

Yet, his form in recent years faltered, and his final Test campaign in Australia was a shadow of his prime, despite a memorable century at Perth.


As fans come to terms with the end of Kohli in whites, all eyes now turn toward his ODI future.

Whether the 2027 World Cup will be his swansong remains to be seen. But for now, the internet’s love for Kohli is louder than ever, even if it’s through memes.