Virat Kohli sent shockwaves through the cricketing world on May 12 when he announced his retirement from Test cricket. The decision came just weeks before India’s five-Test tour of England, set to begin on June 20. At 36, Kohli chose to walk away from the format he once dominated and cherished deeply, marking the end of a significant era in Indian cricket.
While Kohli’s love for the red-ball format remained unchanged, his form in recent times told a different story. Since the beginning of 2024, he has accumulated only 440 runs in 11 Test matches, averaging a modest 23.16, with just one fifty and a solitary century. Despite this, many fans still held hope that he would bounce back in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
Former India coach Greg Chappell offered a deeper perspective on Kohli’s decision. In a column for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell suggested that the retirement wasn’t due to a decline in skill but a reflection of mental fatigue.
WATCH – Rohit Sharma Reveals His Father’s Heartfelt Reaction to His Test Retirement
“His decision was not born of diminished skill, but from the growing realisation that he could no longer summon the mental clarity that had once made him so formidable,” Greg Chappell wrote. He further explained how, at the elite level, any drop in mental sharpness can affect physical performance, from footwork to decision-making.
Kohli, who had already stepped away from T20 internationals, will continue to feature in ODIs for India. His Test legacy remains formidable — 9230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties — a testament to his enduring greatness.
WATCH – Bhuvneshwar Kumar Calls RCB’s Maiden Title Win a “Perfect Moment” for Fans and Former Legends
With Kohli’s exit, India now faces the challenge of filling the void at No. 4. Karun Nair, fresh off a double century for India A against England Lions, is among the top contenders. Alternatively, Test skipper Shubman Gill, who has been batting at No. 3 recently, might be pushed down a spot to take on the critical role left behind by Kohli.
