Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has offered a fresh perspective on Virat Kohli’s unexpected retirement from Test cricket, suggesting the decision may have been influenced by more than just cricketing reasons. Months after Kohli shocked the cricketing world by stepping away from the longest format, Kaif believes the former India captain no longer felt valued within the Test setup.

Speaking at an event organised by Amar Ujala, Kaif claimed Kohli sensed a change in the dressing-room environment during the final phase of his Test career. According to the former cricketer, the warmth and support Kohli once enjoyed had faded, leaving him feeling he was no longer wanted in the team.

“Test cricket was Virat Kohli’s favourite format, and he wanted to continue playing it. But he felt he was no longer welcomed properly and that people did not want to see him in the Test side. The circumstances became such that he had to leave Test cricket, and no one is talking about this,” Mohammad Kaif said.

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Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, just days before India’s tour of England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The announcement came as a major surprise, considering his passion for the red-ball game and his immense contribution to India’s rise as a dominant Test side.

The former India captain ended his illustrious Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an impressive average of 46.85. His remarkable record includes 30 centuries, 31 half-centuries and seven double hundreds, cementing his place among India’s greatest-ever Test batters.

Recently, Kohli also ruled out any possibility of returning to Test cricket. During the launch of his One8 footwear line in New Delhi, the batting superstar was asked whether the number 9,230—the exact tally of his Test runs—was a subtle hint about a comeback.

MOHAMMAD KAIF ON VIRAT KOHLI & WHY HE LEFT TEST CRICKET. 🥺 (Amar Ujala).pic.twitter.com/vh6Qua3LWc

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) June 27, 2026

Kohli quickly dismissed the speculation with a smile. “Na, na… I’m done with it (Test cricket),” he replied, putting an end to hopes of a return to the format.

Beyond his batting numbers, Kohli’s impact on Indian Test cricket remains unparalleled. Alongside former head coach Ravi Shastri, he transformed India into one of the most competitive overseas Test teams in the world. Under his captaincy, India recorded memorable series wins and established an aggressive brand of cricket that redefined the team’s approach in challenging conditions.

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While Kohli has made it clear that his Test career is over, Kaif’s remarks have reignited discussions about the circumstances surrounding one of the most unexpected retirements in modern cricket. Whether his decision was purely personal or influenced by the changing dynamics within the dressing room, Kohli’s legacy as one of India’s greatest Test cricketers remains unquestionable.