Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket has sparked widespread speculation, especially after his heartfelt Instagram post left out the reasons behind the decision. According to former cricketer Mohammad Kaif, Kohli had planned to play the England Test series but didn’t receive the support he expected from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.
Kaif Claims Kohli Was Ready for England Tour
Speaking to NDTV, Kaif said that Kohli showed clear signs of preparation by playing in the Ranji Trophy soon after the Australia series. He believes the former captain still had the motivation to contribute in Tests but was possibly informed that his place in the squad was no longer guaranteed.
“I think he wanted to continue. The selectors may have cited his form and told him his spot may no longer be there,” Kaif explained.
“Given his decision came just before the squad selection and after playing Ranji, I feel he was serious about a comeback.”
Kohli’s Recent Form a Concern for Selectors
Over the past five years, Kohli’s Test numbers dipped. He scored 2028 runs in 68 innings with just three centuries, and his average fell to 46.00. During the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Kohli started strong with a century in Perth but added only 90 more runs across the series.
Kaif noted that Kohli appeared to be in a rush to score, unlike the patient batter fans were used to.
“He looked in a hurry in Australia. Test cricket demands long hours of focus. Kohli used to wear down bowlers—this time, I didn’t see that.”
He added that Kohli’s frequent dismissals while chasing balls outside off suggested a lack of patience, indicating either internal pressure or a shift in mindset.
A Mix of Poor Communication and Self-Realization
Kaif concluded that the final decision might have stemmed from both poor communication from BCCI and Kohli’s own assessment of his red-ball future.
“Maybe he thought, ‘what’s the point of grinding it out now?’ His body language hinted that the spark to battle through long innings was fading.”
Kohli’s exit, coupled with Rohit Sharma’s retirement, marks the end of an era in Indian Test cricket. With no official statement from the BCCI, many fans and experts are left guessing about the behind-the-scenes developments that led one of India’s greatest Test cricketers to step away.
Stay tuned for all the latest Cricket news, match highlights, player analysis, and viral moments!