Ravi Shastri Critiques Handling of Virat Kohli's Test Retirement

Shastri Expresses Discontent Over Kohli's Retirement Announcement

Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the way Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket was managed. Kohli made his retirement announcement last month, concluding a remarkable career that included 123 Test matches, where he amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, featuring 30 centuries.

"The true impact of a player is often realized only after they leave. I feel a sense of sadness about his departure and the manner in which it occurred. Better communication could have improved the situation," Shastri remarked in a video shared on social media by a streaming platform.

🗣️ "𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘴𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦..." - Ravi Shastri. Watch 'Bharat Tum Chale Chalo, Kahani 21-22 ki' starting June 15, exclusively on the streaming platform and associated sports channels.

— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) June 11, 2025

Shastri Advocates for Kohli's Leadership Role

Kohli's retirement came just before the announcement of the Indian squad for the upcoming five-Test series against England. Shastri, who led the team during significant Test victories in Australia under Kohli's captaincy, believes that Kohli still had much to contribute, both as a player and a leader.

"Had I been in a position to influence the decision, I would have reinstated him as captain immediately after the Australia series," Shastri stated, referencing India's recent 1-3 series loss earlier this year.

Following Kohli's retirement and the exit of current captain Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, the Indian selectors have appointed the promising young batsman Shubman Gill as the new Test captain. Gill will lead the team in the forthcoming five-match Test series against England, commencing on June 20.