Virat Kohli’s sudden decision to retire from Test cricket on May 12 left fans and experts shocked. While the former India captain did not offer a specific reason in his announcement, a new report suggests that a change in the BCCI’s approach regarding his future role in the team may have influenced his decision.
According to a report on Sports Today, Kohli was initially hinted at a possible return as Test captain following India’s loss in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide during the recent series. However, after India lost the series 1-3, the tone reportedly changed, and the management decided to look toward a younger leader for the future.
Kohli Expected a Comeback, But the Tone Changed
The report claims that people close to Kohli believed he might be reappointed captain during India’s upcoming tour of Australia later this year. This hint came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where India’s performance under Rohit Sharma came under scrutiny after back-to-back losses.
“He was given sort of a hint that he would be getting the captaincy after Adelaide. But then things changed,” the report said.
However, by April, Kohli was told that he would only be considered as a player. That shift in tone reportedly disappointed him, prompting him to step away from red-ball cricket altogether.
No Fitness or Form Concerns, Says Former Selector
Former India selector and Delhi team coach Sarandeep Singh added further weight to the theory that Kohli’s retirement wasn’t performance-related. Singh revealed that Kohli had been preparing seriously for the England Test series starting in June.
“There was no hint of retirement. He even told me he wanted to play two India A matches before the Test series and score 3-4 centuries in England,” Singh told the media.
Kohli had also played a Ranji Trophy match in February, fulfilling BCCI’s expectations from senior players aiming to return to red-ball cricket. He even scored a century in Perth against Australia, suggesting his form was recovering, despite not being fully satisfied with his performances.
More Than What Meets the Eye
With retirements of Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin already confirmed, Kohli’s exit creates a leadership vacuum in the Indian Test setup. The report hints that behind Kohli’s retirement might lie disappointment over unfulfilled leadership expectations, a lack of clarity from the BCCI, and a final call made after realising his influence in the setup was being reduced.
While no official confirmation has been made by the BCCI, this new angle gives further insight into what could have led India’s most successful Test captain to walk away when many believed he still had more to offer.
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