Virat Kohli’s Wimbledon visit sparks criticism amid retirement debate

Virat Kohli was spotted enjoying a front-row seat at Wimbledon, watching Novak Djokovic battle through a gritty fourth-round match on Monday. Accompanied by his wife and actor Anushka Sharma, Kohli joined a star-studded crowd at Centre Court that included tennis legend Roger Federer and England cricketers James Anderson and Joe Root. Later, Kohli took to social media to laud Djokovic as a "gladiator."

What seemed like a harmless and well-deserved outing quickly turned into a lightning rod for criticism. A section of social media erupted with backlash, questioning Kohli’s presence at the tennis event instead of being on the field in England, especially given India’s ongoing tour.

“Seeing Virat sat watching Wimbledon pains me; we should be the ones watching him play in England,” one user posted on X. 

Another quipped, “A 36-year-old retired legend watching a 38-year-old still grinding at Wimbledon. How fast things change…”

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Some even called for a comeback, drawing comparisons with Djokovic’s continued career at 38: “Just a reminder — Djokovic is 38 years old & still grinding & you're just 36, already retired from two formats. Reconsider your decision, it's not too late yet.”

The criticism adds to the relentless scrutiny Kohli has faced throughout his 17-year international career — scrutiny that often goes beyond the field. Whether it’s his animated celebrations, fashion choices, or now, simply attending a tennis match, Kohli’s actions remain under constant public gaze.

Kohli had stunned fans and pundits alike by announcing his retirement from Test cricket on May 12 — midway through the IPL season and just before the Test squad for the England tour was to be picked. With 123 Tests, 9,230 runs, and 30 centuries to his name, many believed he still had more to offer. There was speculation that he would have played a farewell Test during the 2025-26 home season. Reports even suggested that the BCCI tried to convince him to reconsider.

Earlier in the year, Kohli had played a Ranji Trophy match and seemed determined to push for a spot on the England tour. But within months, he had informed selectors of his intention to step away. According to sources, Kohli privately told close confidants that he felt he could no longer give his all to the longest format — one he held in the highest regard. His decision, he maintained, wasn’t about age, but about the intensity that Test cricket demands — an intensity he no longer felt he could deliver at the highest level.

As the social media noise grows louder, one thing remains clear: Kohli’s every move continues to be dissected, debated, and judged. Perhaps it's time he was allowed to simply be a fan — without becoming a headline.