Virat Kohli’s sudden decision to retire from Test cricket has sent a wave of surprise through the cricketing world, and none more so than former India head coach Ravi Shastri. Known for his close professional and personal bond with Kohli, Shastri admitted he was taken aback by the timing of the announcement. Speaking candidly, he remarked, “Virat Kohli surprised me because I thought he had at least 2-3 years of Test match cricket left in him.”
Kohli’s decision to step away from the longest format comes as a shock not only because of his age—still in his mid-thirties—but also because of his apparent passion for Test cricket. Throughout his career, Kohli was a fierce advocate for the format, often speaking of its purity and the pride he took in representing India in whites. His aggressive leadership and individual brilliance transformed India into a dominant force, particularly during overseas tours where Indian teams had traditionally struggled.
From leading India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia to reaching the final of the World Test Championship, Kohli’s contribution to Indian Test cricket is unmatched in the modern era. He retires with over 9,000 Test runs and 30 centuries, achievements that place him among the all-time greats. But beyond the numbers, it was his approach and attitude that set him apart. Shastri, who worked closely with Kohli for many years, was one of the key figures to witness this evolution up close.
According to Shastri, Virat Kohli’s decision may have been driven by a personal sense of timing and a desire to leave on his own terms. “He is someone who has always marched to his own beat,” Shastri said. “Perhaps he felt that now was the right time to move on, to give more space to younger players and to focus on other aspects of life and cricket.”
The decision, however, does leave a significant void in the Indian Test side. Kohli was more than just a batter; he was the heartbeat of the team’s energy and intensity. His fielding, his running between the wickets, his aggression—all were integral to India’s recent successes. Now, without him, the team will not only need to find a replacement in the batting lineup but also a new leader to take forward the culture he helped create.
Shastri acknowledged that while Virat Kohli’s departure is a major loss, it also presents an opportunity. “Transitions are a part of sport,” he said. “Now it’s about who steps up, who takes responsibility, and who carries forward that legacy of hunger and drive that Virat embodied.”
Despite his retirement from Tests, Kohli is expected to continue playing white-ball cricket for India. For fans and followers of the game, this offers some consolation. But in the red-ball arena, his absence will be deeply felt. As Shastri noted, “There are few players who can influence a Test match the way Virat did. His impact was immense, and his legacy is secure.”
For a generation of Indian cricketers and fans, Virat Kohli’s Test career will be remembered not only for the records he broke but for the fire he brought to the field every single time. His departure may have come earlier than many expected, but his influence on Indian cricket will echo for years to come.
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