India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar has revealed that Virat Kohli informed the board of his decision to retire from Test cricket as early as April — well before the news became public in May. Speaking during the announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming five-Test series against England, Agarkar confirmed that Kohli’s decision to step away from the red-ball format was entirely his own, taken after deep introspection and years of immense service to Indian cricket.
“There was no pressure from the selectors or the board,” Ajit Agarkar clarified. “Virat reached out in early April. Even when he wasn’t on the field, he was always giving 200%. He felt he had given everything he possibly could, and if he couldn’t keep up with the high standards he set for himself, it was time. That’s a call only someone of his stature can make, and he’s earned that respect.”
Kohli’s decision follows the retirement of skipper Rohit Sharma and senior off-spinner R Ashwin, signalling the end of an era. These three stalwarts leave behind massive shoes to fill, but Agarkar emphasised that such transitions also create space for new faces to emerge.
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The shift has already begun, with 25-year-old Shubman Gill taking over the reins of the Test side. Gill, who has shown maturity and class in all formats, will lead a youthful Indian squad into what promises to be a challenging tour of England.
India’s recent home Test defeats to New Zealand and Australia prompted the selectors to look toward a long-term vision. The BCCI is now backing young talent like Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Nitish Kumar Reddy as the foundation of the future.
Despite efforts from board officials to convince Kohli to play one final Test series, the former captain remained firm on ending his career on his own terms. Kohli retires with 123 Tests, more than 9,000 runs, and a remarkable 40 Test wins as captain — a true titan of Indian cricket. While he will no longer feature in the whites, Kohli is expected to continue in ODIs, eyeing the 2027 World Cup.
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India’s squad for England: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sudharsan, Easwaran, Karun Nair, Reddy, Jadeja, Jurel, Sundar, Thakur, Bumrah, Siraj, Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep, Kuldeep.
