Virat Kohli Finds Happiness After Test Cricket Retirement, Says Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik Shares Insights on Virat Kohli's Post-Test Cricket Life

Dinesh Karthik, the batting coach for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), recently provided an insight into Virat Kohli's life following his retirement from Test cricket earlier this month. Karthik expressed that the 36-year-old cricketer is currently experiencing his 'happiest' phase.

Kohli took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message announcing his departure from the format he held dear. His retirement came shortly after his teammate Rohit Sharma also stepped away from red-ball cricket. This duo's exit has left the Indian team with a significant gap in experience just weeks before a challenging Test series in England.

Virat Kohli at His 'Happiest'

Currently participating in the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli's well-being has been a topic of discussion. Karthik, who has been alongside Kohli since the announcement of his retirement, noted that the cricketer is relishing his time in the sport.

"It was unexpected for many, and we are simply observing how Virat is adapting. He is genuinely happy now, enjoying the game, and cherishing time with his family. This is a personal choice that we respect. It's wonderful to see him in good spirits and ready to play whenever needed," Karthik remarked on Thursday.

Virat Kohli's Remarkable Test Career

Kohli's 14-year tenure in Test cricket significantly transformed the Indian team into a formidable force. He brought a sense of aggression and a fitness culture to a squad that balanced youth and experience. Throughout his career, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, making him India's fourth-highest run-scorer in Test history.

His retirement from the Test format continues a trend of prominent players stepping away from red-ball cricket within the Indian team. Notably, before Kohli and Sharma, renowned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had also announced his retirement from international cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.