Saina last competed at the Singapore Open in 2023, but had not formally announced her retirement at the time. Both Kohli and Nehwal have been trailblazers in their respective sports, inspiring millions with their skill, determination, and longevity at the highest level.
“Congratulations @NSaina on a legendary career that put Indian badminton on the world stage. Wishing you a happy, fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. India is proud,” Kohli wrote on X.
On the cricketing front, Kohli has been selectively featuring for India since stepping away from T20 Internationals and Test cricket. Following the conclusion of IPL 2025, he has played three ODI series, making a significant impact in the 50-over format with three centuries and three half-centuries.
Kohli’s ODI comeback began against Australia, where he faced initial setbacks with two ducks but recovered with a composed half-century in the final match. He then produced stellar performances at home against South Africa, scoring back-to-back centuries and a half-century, earning him the Player of the Series award. Most recently, against New Zealand, he notched a half-century and a century, though India lost the series 1-2.
Across all formats, Kohli remains a pillar of Indian cricket, with 9,230 Test runs, 14,797 ODI runs, and 4,188 T20I runs, maintaining an average above 45 in each format. With 85 international centuries, he is the second-highest century scorer in cricket history, just behind Sachin Tendulkar’s 100.
Kohli is expected to return to action for India on July 14 in a three-match ODI series against England.
