Within a year, after T20, Virat Kohli also retired from Test cricket. Virat’s sudden decision just before the England tour is no less than a shock for Indian cricket. Already big players like Rohit and Ashwin have been dropped from the team. Rahane-Pujara are not in the team. Shami-Bumrah’s fitness is also not good.
Perhaps this is the reason why BCCI was constantly appealing to Virat Kohli to postpone the decision of retirement. But, finally, Virat made up his mind. So, let’s know the five big reasons due to which Kohli, who scored 9230 runs with the help of 30 centuries at an average of 46.85 in 123 Tests for India, announced his retirement.
After T20, now said goodbye to Test as well
Kohli, who started his career in international cricket in 2008 and Test cricket in 2011, has already retired from the T20 format. Now, after saying goodbye to Test cricket as well, his entire focus will be on the ODI World Cup to be held in 2027. Virat now wants to focus only on ODI cricket and wants to put all his energy into making the team win the World Cup.
The old magic was not seen in Tests for the last few years.
Virat Kohli’s performance was continuously declining for the last few years! For the last several months, Virat was struggling with poor batting in the Test format. Be it the home Test series against New Zealand or the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the Australia tour. Virat’s last century in Tests came in Perth in 2024. That old rhythm and confidence in his batting was lost somewhere.
Playing international cricket continuously for 15 years
Kohli has played international cricket continuously for more than 15 years. Especially Test cricket is very tiring physically and mentally, which requires excellent fitness and stamina. It may have become very difficult for him to maintain balance in all formats while staying fit! Constant travel and cricket commitments had exhausted him mentally and physically.
Prioritizing family and personal life
With a growing family, Kohli is constantly prioritizing personal time over cricket. He has often emphasized on mental health and work-life balance. The tiring travel and commitment of Test cricket could be a big reason for Virat’s retirement. Now he wants to spend more time with his family and give importance to personal life.
Young players coming into the team and changing captaincy
Many young players like Shubhman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal have gradually made their place in the Indian team. Virat had already given up captaincy. In such a situation, he was not even a part of the leadership. In this situation, he wants to make a fresh start with the new World Test Championship cycle. Virat has understood that this is the right time to hand over the responsibility and let the next generation decide the future of the team.