Ravi Shastri Reveals Why Virat Kohli Retired from Test Cricket

Ravi Shastri, former India head coach, believes that Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket could have been managed in a more thoughtful way.

Kohli, who was once the face of India’s Test dominance, announced his retirement from the longest format in May, just weeks before India’s Test series in England, starting June 20.

Shastri, who worked closely with Kohli during India’s golden run in red-ball cricket, shared his thoughts on Sony Sports Network’s show Bharat Tum Chale Chalo: Kahani 21-22 Ki.

“Kohli’s retirement is a sad moment because he was a great player. It’s only after someone leaves that you realise their true value. Stats alone don’t explain what Virat brought to Test cricket. His attitude, energy, and commitment, especially in overseas conditions were remarkable,” said Shastri.

He also mentioned how proud he felt being part of the Lord’s 2021 Test win, calling it one of the finest comebacks by the team under Kohli’s leadership.

Shastri expressed disappointment at the sudden nature of the retirement, saying:

“I feel sad that he’s gone the way he has—suddenly. It could have been handled better, maybe with more communication. If I had anything to do with it, I would have made him captain again after the Australia series.”

Kohli, India’s most successful Test captain, retired with 9230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85. He hit 30 centuries and 31 fifties. However, since 2020, his form had dipped, averaging just 30.73 in 39 Tests.