Virat Kohli's Shocking Retirement from Test Cricket: What Led to This Decision?

Virat Kohli's recent retirement from Test cricket at the age of 36 has left fans and analysts in shock, especially as he departs without reaching the 10,000-run milestone. Speculations abound regarding the reasons for his decision, particularly surrounding captaincy issues following the Adelaide Test. Reports suggest that Kohli had expected to regain captaincy but faced unexpected changes. The dynamics within the team, including the future of Rohit Sharma, are also under scrutiny. This article delves into the unfolding story behind Kohli's retirement and its implications for Indian cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2025, 21:59 IST

Virat Kohli's Unexpected Retirement

The cricketing world is in disbelief as Virat Kohli, known for his dedication to fitness, announces his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 36, without having scored 10,000 runs in the format. This surprising decision has sparked numerous speculations and discussions about the reasons behind it. Among the various theories circulating, one recent report suggests that Kohli's departure from the format was influenced by a denied captaincy following the Adelaide Test.

Kohli has been regarded as one of India's finest Test captains. His resignation from the captaincy in 2022, shortly after a disappointing series in South Africa, raised many eyebrows. The announcement, made through an Instagram post, shocked fans, and now his retirement, following a decade-long reign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has elicited even stronger reactions. According to a source close to the situation, Kohli had anticipated regaining the captaincy after the Adelaide Test, but circumstances took a different turn. The source revealed,

"Those close to him indicated that he received hints about being reinstated as captain after Adelaide. However, things changed unexpectedly."

Reports have shed light on the dynamics surrounding Kohli's captaincy. Some sources claimed that the management was considering reinstating Kohli while sidelining Rohit Sharma, whereas others suggested a search for fresh leadership for the upcoming cycle.

Both Kohli and the 38-year-old Rohit Sharma appeared to be under scrutiny. Reports indicated that during a selection meeting in Mumbai, the management was contemplating moving on from Rohit. Shortly after, Rohit posted an Instagram story expressing gratitude for Test cricket on May 7.

It has been suggested that Kohli expressed his desire to step back, prompting the management to request a reconsideration. In the world of cricket, where big names often come with their own narratives, the legacy of players like Kohli remains unparalleled, regardless of the controversies.