Ravi Shastri Discusses Virat Kohli's Test Retirement and Its Implications

Kohli's Decision to Retire from Test Cricket

On Thursday, former head coach of India, Ravi Shastri, shared insights about his conversation with Virat Kohli prior to the latter's unexpected retirement from Test cricket. Kohli expressed to Shastri that he had no regrets regarding his career and felt he had contributed everything he could to the format.

Kohli announced his retirement on May 12, just ahead of India's upcoming five-Test series in England. He concludes his Test career with an impressive tally of 9,230 runs, ranking as the fourth-highest run-scorer among Indian players, alongside 30 centuries.

A Strong Bond: Kohli and Shastri

Kohli and Shastri are recognized as one of the most successful captain-coach partnerships in Indian cricket history. Shastri confirmed that Kohli reached out to him before making his retirement public.

"I spoke to him about a week before his announcement, and he was very clear that he had given everything," Shastri stated during an interview. He noted that Kohli had no doubts about his decision, indicating that it was indeed the right time for him to step away from Test cricket.

Reflections on Kohli's Leadership

Kohli stands out as India's most successful Test captain, achieving 40 victories in 68 matches, significantly ahead of MS Dhoni, who is second with 27 wins. Shastri emphasized Kohli's passionate and intense approach to the game, suggesting that such dedication could lead to burnout if not managed properly.

"When he decided to do something, he gave it his all, which is hard to match," Shastri remarked. He added that Kohli's involvement in the game was so deep that it could lead to exhaustion if he didn't take breaks or manage his playing time across formats.

The Burden of Stardom

Shastri highlighted that Kohli's immense popularity and the constant attention he received could contribute to mental fatigue. "He has garnered accolades worldwide and has a larger following than any cricketer in the last decade," Shastri noted, explaining that Kohli's intensity could evoke strong reactions from fans.

His vibrant personality resonated not only within the team but also with cricket fans, making him a captivating figure in the sport.

Surprise at Kohli's Retirement

Despite acknowledging Kohli's reasons, Shastri admitted he was taken aback by the retirement announcement. "I thought he had at least two or three more years left in him," he said. He explained that mental fatigue can signal the body to stop, regardless of physical fitness.

Shastri praised Kohli for his significant contributions to Indian Test cricket, including historic victories in Australia and series wins in the West Indies and Sri Lanka, asserting that Kohli had achieved everything possible in his career.