Saina last played a competitive match at the Singapore Open in 2023 but had not formally announced her retirement at the time. Both Kohli and Saina have been dominant forces in their respective sports and have inspired millions, earning global admiration for their achievements and longevity at the highest level.
“Congratulations @NSaina on a legendary career that has brought Indian badminton to the world stage. Wishing you a happy, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. India is proud.”, Kohli wrote on X.
Congratulations @NSaina on a legendary career that put Indian badminton on the world stage. I wish you a happy, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. India is proud. 🇮🇳🏸
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 23, 2026
Speaking of Kohli, he has been seen in limited action for the national team since his retirement from T20 Internationals and Test cricket. Following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Kohli featured in three ODI series for India and continued to make a strong impact in the 50-over format. During this period, he has scored three centuries and three half-centuries.
Kohli’s ODI return started with the series against Australia where he endured a tough start by registering two ducks before bouncing back with a composed half-century in the final match. He then found sublime form against South Africa at home, scoring two consecutive centuries and a half-century. His excellent performances earned him the Player of the Series award as India dominated the match.
Most recently, Kohli played against New Zealand where he scored a half-century and a century. Despite his individual brilliance, India lost the ODI series 1-2. Nevertheless, Kohli’s form remained one of the key positives for the team.
Across all formats, Kohli has been a pillar of Indian cricket. He has amassed 9,230 runs in Tests, 14,797 runs in ODIs and 4,188 runs in T20Is, maintaining an average above 45 in all three formats. With 85 international centuries, Kohli is the second highest goalscorer in world cricket, behind only Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 hundreds. Kohli is expected to return to action for India in a three-match ODI series against England in England on July 14.
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