Virat Kohli has long been more than a run-scorer for India. His presence carries a competitive spark that often lifts those around him and his belief in difficult moments has shaped modern Indian cricket. Even in formats where he doesn’t feature anymore, his influence continues to be felt, especially when things begin to look shaky.
This sentiment resurfaced after former Bengal wicketkeeper-batter Shreevats Goswami reflected on India’s recent struggles in Test cricket. He felt that Virat Kohli should have stepped away from ODIs instead of withdrawing from Tests because the longest format still depends on the intensity and conviction he once brought to the field. Shreevats Goswami shared these thoughts soon after an underwhelming performance from Rishabh Pant-led team against South Africa, the current World Test champions.
India’s slide at home has become more noticeable in the backdrop of their inconsistent run over the past year. A rare 2–0 defeat in New Zealand in 2024 was followed by a brief revival under Shubman Gill, who guided the team to a 2–0 win over the Windies. But that spark faded quickly. A heavy loss in Kolkata and another bleak situation in the Guwahati Test have left India staring at another home series defeat, this time against South Africa.
Shreevats Goswami expressed that Test cricket misses not just Virat Kohli’s batting but the passion he injected into the team, an energy that once made India believe they could win anywhere.
Here is what Shreevats Goswami tweeted, “Ideally Virat should have left playing ODIs & continued playing test cricket untill he had nothing to give. Test cricket misses him. Not just as a player but just the energy he brought, the love & passion playing for, where he made the team believe that they can win in any condition. #INDVSA”
https://x.com/shreevats1/status/1992950644387598736
In a short exchange with a fan, he admitted that perhaps Virat Kohli’s decision to leave the format was influenced by the environment around him, though the real reason may never fully be known.
The disappointment deepened on a surface Kuldeep Yadav had jokingly called a “road” where Indian batters still collapsed for just 201. South Africa’s tall pacer Marco Jansen dominated the innings with a ruthless 6 for 48 after scoring a commanding 93 the previous day.
It was another reminder of how vulnerable the Indian team currently looks, especially without the familiar fire of a leader who once set the tone.
Do you agree with Shreevats Goswami?
