Virat Kohli shocked the cricketing world in May last year when he announced his retirement from Test cricket in the middle of IPL 2025. The decision came as a massive surprise, especially with India scheduled to tour England just weeks later for a highly anticipated five-match Test series. Kohli’s retirement marked the end of a remarkable 13-year journey in red-ball cricket, during which he established himself as one of India’s greatest Test batters.

The former captain finished his career with nearly 10,000 Test runs and several iconic performances both at home and overseas. His final appearance in whites came during India’s away Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia in the previous winter. Despite the emotional announcement, Kohli never fully explained the exact reasons behind his sudden decision to walk away from the longest format.

The silence only fueled speculation among fans and experts, particularly because the veteran batter returned to international cricket just a few months later. In October 2025, Kohli was back in India colours and featured in consecutive ODI series against the Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand national cricket teams, proving he remained committed to white-ball cricket.

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Now, in a recent interaction with Royal Challengers Bengaluru media, Kohli appeared to hint that constant criticism over his declining Test form may have played a role in his retirement. Although he did not mention anyone directly, several fans on social media interpreted his comments as a response to criticism from decision-makers in Indian cricket.

“You know, as I said today, my perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I’m a part of and the environment feels like I can add value, I’ll be seen,” Virat Kohli said. “If I’m made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space because I’m being honest to my preparation and the way I approach the game,” he added.

Why did Virat retire from Test cricket, and will he play the 2027 World Cup or not?

Virat has answered everything: https://t.co/WshqgB7ita pic.twitter.com/WdSn1TMJk1

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) May 15, 2026

The 37-year-old also passionately explained the level of commitment and discipline he still brings to the field every time he represents India.

“I put my head down, I work hard, and I feel grateful for everything cricket has given me. If you want me to run boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI game, I will do it without complaint because I prepare for that challenge,” Virat Kohli stated. He further stressed that he has never lacked dedication toward the Indian team and continues to prepare with complete intensity. “After operating like this, if I still have to prove my worth and value, then maybe that place is not meant for me,” Kohli remarked.

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The former India captain also addressed growing discussions around the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli made it clear that he still has the motivation to continue playing international cricket and remains excited by the possibility of representing India at another World Cup. “Of course, if I’m playing, I want to continue. Playing for India in a World Cup is always special,” he said.

Virat Kohli’s Test numbers