Before announcing his retirement from Test cricket, Virat Kohli reportedly had a heartfelt conversation with former India head coach and all-rounder Ravi Shastri. Kohli and Shastri formed one of Indian cricket’s most successful captain-coach duos, leading the side through a golden phase between 2014 and 2021. Their partnership was marked by several landmark achievements, including India’s historic Test series win in Australia and a rare ODI series victory in South Africa.
Under their leadership, Team India dominated the Test rankings for three consecutive years and reached the semifinals of the 2019 ODI World Cup. The duo also took India to the final of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, narrowly missing out on the title in a rain-affected match against New Zealand.
ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Reflects on Rohit and Virat’s Test Retirements: “Rohit Could’ve Achieved as Much as Virat”
According to a Cricbuzz report, Kohli also held at least two telephonic conversations with selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar before going public with his decision. He was expected to speak with BCCI secretary Jay Shah as well, following reports that he had communicated his intent to step away from the longest format.
🚨 VIRAT KOHLI TEST RETIREMENT. 🚨
– It’s understood that Kohli spoke to Ravi Shastri before taking a call.
– He was to speak to Jay Shah too, but no clarity if that conversation happened.
– Kohli and Rajeev Shukla were to meet, but may have not due to border issues. (Cricbuzz). pic.twitter.com/jldQNDyhMF— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 12, 2025
Shortly after Kohli made the news official via social media, Ravi Shastri paid an emotional tribute. “Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained,” Shastri wrote on X. “Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go well, champ. God bless.”
WATCH – Sunil Chhetri Says He’s Not Surprised By Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement
Kohli’s retirement has sparked reactions from across the globe, with tributes pouring in from stars like Novak Djokovic, Harry Kane, and Conor McGregor. The 36-year-old stepped away from T20Is last year but remains available for ODI selection.
His exit marks the end of an era, as Indian cricket sees three legends—Rohit Sharma, Kohli, and Ashwin—retire within months.
