Virat Kohli’s decision came just days after former captain Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. This article delves into the events leading to Kohli’s exit, his interactions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the reasons behind his retirement.

Why Did Kohli Retired from Test Criket?

Several factors likely contributed to Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket:

1. Declining Form: Kohli’s struggles in Test cricket over the last few years, particularly in overseas conditions, were well-documented. His vulnerability outside the off-stump and inability to consistently convert starts into big scores may have led him to question his longevity in the format.
2. Physical and Mental Fatigue: At 36, Kohli has played international cricket for over 15 years. The grueling demands of Test cricket, described by Kohli himself as “the quiet grind” and “long days,” may have taken a toll, especially after a lean run. His Instagram post announcing his retirement emphasized the personal lessons and challenges of the format, suggesting it was time to move on.
3. BCCI’s Transition Plans: The BCCI’s focus on building a younger Test team for the 2025–27 WTC cycle is evident with Shubman Gill emerging as the frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma as captain. The board’s reported message to Kohli about not fitting into the Test setup aligns with their intent to phase out senior players, as seen with Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin.
4. Personal Priorities: Kohli has increasingly prioritized family time, with his wife, Anushka Sharma, and their two young children. His decision to step away from T20 Internationals in 2024 and now Tests suggests a shift toward formats like ODIs, where he can continue to excel while balancing personal commitments.
5. Speculation of External Opportunities: A post on X claimed that Kohli might be eyeing opportunities like the Saudi Global League, sponsored by his company Agilitas, and that he wanted to move away from BCCI contracts due to restrictive rules, including family travel policies. However, this claim lacks corroboration from credible sources and remains speculative.

Kohli’s Test Career: A Glorious Legacy

Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup. Over 123 Tests, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. His peak years from 2016 to 2019 were particularly dominant, where he scored 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an average of 66.79, with 16 centuries, including seven double centuries—a record for a Test captain.

As captain, Kohli led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories, making him India’s most successful Test captain. His leadership saw India achieve historic milestones, including their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19 and a sustained period as the world’s top-ranked Test team. Kohli’s passion for Test cricket, coupled with his aggressive captaincy and fitness standards, transformed Indian cricket, inspiring a new generation of players.

The Turning Point: Struggles in Form

Despite his illustrious career, Kohli’s form in Test cricket waned in recent years. From 2020 onwards, he scored 2,028 runs in 39 Tests at an average of 30.72, a significant drop from his earlier highs. His struggles were evident during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he managed 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75. While he scored a century in the series opener in Perth, his subsequent performances were marred by repeated dismissals outside the off-stump, exposing technical vulnerabilities.

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Reports indicate that Kohli was frustrated during the Australia tour, expressing to teammates his exhaustion with Test cricket. He reportedly told them multiple times, “I am done,” though his comments were initially not taken seriously. These struggles, combined with the physical and mental toll of a 14-year career, appear to have influenced his decision to step away.

The BCCI’s Role and Conflicting Narratives

Kohli’s retirement announcement followed a complex and somewhat contentious interaction with the BCCI. Initial reports suggested that Kohli informed the BCCI of his desire to retire from Test cricket in early April 2025, ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, scheduled to begin on June 20, 2025. The BCCI, aware of the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the retirements of other senior players like Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, reportedly urged Kohli to reconsider, citing his experience as vital for an inexperienced middle order.

However, a contrasting narrative emerged from a report by The Dainik Jagran, which claimed that the BCCI did not plead with Kohli to stay but instead informed him that he no longer fit into India’s Test plans. According to the report, a similar message was delivered to Rohit Sharma during a meeting on May 7, 2025, in Mumbai, where the BCCI selection committee, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, made it clear that both players were not part of the team’s future in the longest format. The report quoted a source saying, “The BCCI does not request anyone. A player’s decision is his personal choice. We don’t interfere in it,” and added that the board hoped Kohli would not travel to England.

This contradiction has fueled speculation about the BCCI’s handling of Kohli’s exit. Some sources suggest that Kohli’s decision was personal, driven by his recent form and a desire to focus on other formats, particularly One Day Internationals (ODIs), where he remains a dominant force. Others argue that the BCCI’s stance may have pushed Kohli into a corner, leaving him with little choice but to retire. Posts on X also reflect this divide, with some claiming the BCCI pressured Kohli to retire, while others assert that he made the decision independently.

The BCCI’s Handling: A History of Tensions

Kohli’s relationship with the BCCI has not always been smooth. In 2021, he was sacked as India’s white-ball captain in a controversial manner, with the BCCI appointing Rohit Sharma without directly addressing Kohli’s removal. Kohli later revealed a lack of communication from the board, highlighting tensions. Similarly, in 2023, former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly noted that Kohli’s decision to step down as Test captain after the South Africa tour was unexpected, catching the board off guard.

The 2025 retirement saga echoes these past frictions. While some reports portray the BCCI as desperate to retain Kohli, others suggest the board was ready to move on, reflecting a possible misalignment between Kohli’s expectations and the BCCI’s vision for the future. Former chief selector MSK Prasad expressed shock at Kohli’s retirement, calling it “unfortunate and sad” despite the BCCI’s efforts, underscoring the complexity of the situation.

Reactions and Legacy

Kohli’s retirement prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, teammates, and cricketing legends. Sachin Tendulkar praised Kohli for inspiring young cricketers, while former coach Ravi Shastri called him a “modern-day GIANT” and a fantastic ambassador for Test cricket. The BCCI and the International Cricket Council (ICC) acknowledged his contributions, with the BCCI stating, “An era ends in Test cricket, but the legacy will continue forever!”

Anushka Sharma shared a heartfelt message, and Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, lauded him for retiring at the peak of his career. However, sentiments on X were mixed, with some fans devastated and others questioning the BCCI’s role in his exit.

Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket is undeniable. His 9,230 runs place him fourth on India’s all-time list, behind Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. His captaincy record, aggressive batting style, and commitment to fitness have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. As he steps away, Kohli leaves a void in the No. 4 position, which he occupied since Tendulkar’s retirement in 2013.

What’s Next for Kohli?

Kohli is expected to continue playing ODIs, where he is regarded as one of the greatest chasers in history. With a potential eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup, he remains a key figure in India’s limited-overs setup. His involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is also likely to continue, given his leadership role and commercial interests.

As India prepares for the England series, the focus shifts to younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul to fill the gap left by Kohli and Sharma. The BCCI faces the challenge of managing this transition while addressing the fallout from Kohli’s exit and the suspension of IPL 2025 due to geopolitical tensions.

Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket is a pivotal moment in Indian cricket, driven by a combination of personal choice, form struggles, and the BCCI’s strategic shift toward a younger team. While conflicting reports about the BCCI’s role—whether they urged him to stay or signaled his exit—add layers of intrigue, Kohli’s decision reflects his readiness to move on from a format that “tested” and “shaped” him. His legacy as a batsman, captain, and transformative figure endures, even as Indian cricket navigates an uncertain future without one of its greatest stars.

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