Virat Kohli's Surprising Test Retirement Sparks Debate Among Fans and Players

Virat Kohli's recent retirement from Test cricket has taken many by surprise, especially as he had hinted at wanting to continue playing. R. Ashwin has reignited discussions about Kohli's decision, suggesting he still had more to contribute to the format. Kohli's illustrious career saw him score 9,230 runs, making him India's most successful Test captain. This article delves into the implications of his retirement and the ongoing debate among fans and players alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 21, 2026, 16:19 IST

Kohli's Unexpected Decision

In May 2025, Virat Kohli made headlines with his unexpected retirement from Test cricket. His last appearance in the format was against Australia in January 2025, and he had recently returned to the Ranji Trophy, suggesting a desire to continue playing Tests. However, during the IPL 2025, he announced his retirement, leaving many fans and experts surprised, as they believed he still had more to offer in the longest format of the game.

Over ten months post-retirement, R. Ashwin reignited discussions about Kohli's decision, revealing that he had spoken to the former captain about it. On his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated, "I have directly told him that he had cricket left in Test cricket. There was something left in Test cricket, but it’s okay, honestly. There is a problem in India about the perception." He emphasized Kohli's commitment to the team, noting that it was a tough decision for him to retire.

Ashwin and Kohli have shared the dressing room for over a decade. Although Ashwin didn't play many Tests under Kohli in SENA countries, he was a key player in home conditions. Since his Test debut in 2011, Ashwin participated in all 67 home Tests until his retirement, while Kohli captained India in his first home Tests in 2015 and his last in 2021.

Kohli's Impressive Test Career

Virat Kohli's Test Career Overview

Throughout his Test career, Virat Kohli amassed 9,230 runs across 123 matches from 2011 to 2025, falling just 770 runs short of the prestigious 10,000-run milestone in red-ball cricket. His impressive record includes 30 centuries and 51 half-centuries. Kohli stands as India's most successful Test captain, achieving 40 victories out of 68 Tests. After leading the team to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, he retired from T20I cricket and is currently focused on the ODI format, with plans to evaluate his ODI career following the 2027 World Cup.