In a rare public appearance since announcing his retirement from Test cricket, Virat Kohli finally opened up about his decision during a charity event hosted by Yuvraj Singh’s foundation, YouWeCan, in London. While the setting was intended to raise funds and awareness for cancer support, the evening also turned emotional and nostalgic as Kohli shared his reflections with humor, warmth, and humility.
Addressing a star-studded audience that included the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Ravi Shastri, Brian Lara, Kevin Pietersen, and Chris Gayle, Kohli was prompted to speak about his recent retirement by host Gaurav Kapur. In his typical light-hearted style, Kohli responded, “I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it’s time when you’re colouring it every four days.” The comment sparked laughter across the room but also marked the first time the Indian cricket legend publicly acknowledged his decision to walk away from the longest format of the game.
Kohli’s Test retirement had been announced in May through a social media post that was emotional and brief. At the age of 36, Kohli stepped down from Test cricket after a remarkable career spanning 14 years, featuring 123 matches, over 9,200 runs, 30 centuries, and multiple match-winning performances. His leadership from 2014 to 2022 shaped a new era of Indian Test cricket, particularly known for its aggressive brand and overseas success.
During the event, Kohli also took a moment to reflect on his early days in the Indian dressing room. He expressed deep gratitude towards senior players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan, who welcomed him warmly and helped him find his feet in international cricket. He said those early memories were etched in his heart forever and shaped not just his career but also his values as a teammate and leader.
The bond between Kohli and Yuvraj Singh was especially highlighted throughout the evening. Kohli spoke about the resilience Yuvraj showed during his battle with cancer and how it inspired him. He fondly remembered the moment Yuvraj made his comeback and scored a majestic 150 against England in Cuttack in 2017. According to Kohli, watching that innings felt like reliving his childhood passion for the game, where heroes rose to the occasion despite all odds.
Kohli also acknowledged the role Ravi Shastri played in his growth, not just as a cricketer but as a leader. He shared how Shastri always stood up for the players, especially during press conferences, shielding them from undue pressure so they could perform without distractions. Kohli credited Shastri with creating a culture of fearlessness and belief within the team.