In a shocking turn of events, Indian batter Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, leaving fans and experts stunned.
The former captain, known for his relentless passion and unparalleled commitment, has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket for over a decade. His decision to step away from the longest format has sparked widespread discussion, with many speculating about the factors behind this move.
Ravi Shastri, former India head coach, recently shed light on Virat Kohli’s mindset during an interview with the ICC Review. Shastri, who shared a successful coach-captain partnership with Kohli, revealed that the retirement decision was driven by mental exhaustion.
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Also read: Virat Kohli Career Stats in Test Cricket
Ravi Shastri Shares Insights on Virat Kohli's Test Retirement
Shastri talked about Kohli's Test retirement, sharing that the latter had a chat with him before making the announcement. As Shastri disclosed about the chat, he revealed that there was utmost clarity in Kohli's decision to retire.
"I did speak to him about it, I think a week before that [his announcement] and his mind was very clear that he'd given us everything. There were no regrets. There were one or two questions I asked, and that's a personal conversation which, you know, he mentioned very clearly, there were no doubts in his mind, which made me think, 'Yes, the time is right'. The mind has told his body that it's time to go," Shastri said as quoted on the ICC Review.
Shastri emphasised Kohli’s unmatched dedication, noting,
"If he decided to do something, then he gave his 100%, which is not easy to match. Individually, as a bowler, as a batsman."
He further explained the immense pressure Kohli put on himself, stating,
"A player does his job, [and] then you sit back. But [with Kohli] when the team goes out, it’s as if he has to take all the wickets, he has to take all the catches, he has to make all the decisions on the field."
This intense involvement, Shastri suggested, likely contributed to mental fatigue.
"That much involvement, I would think there’s going to be a burnout somewhere if he doesn’t take a rest, if he doesn’t compartmentalise how much he wants to play across formats, there is bound to be a burnout," he said.
Despite believing Kohli had "at least two-three years of Test match cricket left in him," Shastri admitted that the 36-year-old was "mentally fried."
"Virat surprised me because I thought he had at least two-three years of Test match cricket left in him. But then, when you're mentally fried and overcooked, that's what tells your body. You might be physically the fittest guy in the business. You might be fitter than half the guys in your team, but mentally you're well done, as they say, then it sends a message to the body. You know, that's it."
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"Virat Kohli Has Achieved Everything", Says Ravi Shastri
Reflecting on Kohli’s illustrious career, the cricketer-turned-commentator stated that he has achieved everything.
"At times when you quit the game, you know, and after a month or two months you say, 'I wish I had done this, I wish I had done this.’ [Kohli] He's done everything. He's captained sides, he's won World Cups, he's won an Under-19 World Cup [2008] himself. I mean, there's nothing for him to achieve."
Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian Test cricket. With a legacy that includes leading India to historic overseas victories, including a Test series win in Australia, and amassing over 9,000 runs in the format, Kohli leaves behind a void that will be hard to fill.
India will hope that his successor replicates his success, batting at No. 4 in the Test format.
