Former Indian men’s cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed deep disappointment over Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket, stating that the way it unfolded left him saddened. Virat Kohli who had an illustrious 14-year-long career in the format announced his retirement on May 12 through a post on Instagram, marking the end of a significant era in Indian Test cricket.
Ravi Shastri, who has long shared a strong professional and personal bond with Virat Kohli, did not hold back in voicing his feelings. Speaking in a video shared on X, the former India all-rounder said that he feels the situation could have been managed much better. He lamented the lack of communication surrounding Virat Kohli’s exit and admitted that if he had any say, he would have reinstated Virat Kohli as the Test captain immediately after the Australia series.
Ravi Shastri remarked that people will truly understand the magnitude of Virat Kohli’s contribution only after his departure, reiterating that it was unfortunate the exit happened this way.
Here is the video:
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Virat Kohli’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable Test career in which he played 123 matches, scoring 9230 runs with the help of 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He ended his journey as the fourth highest run-scorer in the Indian Test history. Beyond his batting achievements, Virat Kohli’s impact as a leader was equally noteworthy. He captained India in 68 Tests and led the side to victory in 40 of those matches, making him the most successful Indian Test captain to date.
Reports that emerged last month suggested that Virat Kohli was interested in returning as the Test captain. However, the Indian cricket management reportedly did not consider his request, prompting him to take the decision to retire. His departure came just five days after Rohit Sharma also stepped down from the Test format, following a similar announcement on Instagram.
In the wake of these twin retirements, the Board of Control for Cricket in India named Shubman Gill as the new Test captain on May 24. The young right-hander from Punjab, just 25 years old, is now set to lead the Indian side for the first time in the longest format. His captaincy debut will come during the five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. The series will then move to Birmingham, Lord’s, Manchester and conclude at The Oval.
With a new captain at the helm and two legendary careers coming to a close, Indian Test cricket now enters a transitional phase, one that promises new challenges and new leadership stories.
