Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket last month marked the end of an era in Indian cricket. Known for his passion and commitment to the red-ball format, Kohli’s sudden exit surprised fans and experts alike. After leading India to several historic Test wins and maintaining a consistent presence in the side, his decision came just ahead of a five-match series in England.
Kohli had shown signs of struggle in the 2024–25 season, scoring only one century in ten Tests. While some questioned his form, many still expected him to be part of the squad for the England tour. Instead, he shocked everyone by stepping away from the format in May.
Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has now weighed in on the decision. In his column for The Telegraph, Boycott claimed that the constant schedule and workload left Kohli mentally drained. According to him, even the best players struggle when they don’t get time to rest and recharge.
Boycott pointed out that India’s packed cricket calendar, across formats and tournaments, may have taken a toll on Kohli. The star batter had recently helped India win the Champions Trophy and then played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title run. Such a tight schedule, with little downtime, can lead to burnout—even for someone as experienced and fit as Kohli.
Had Kohli stayed in the Test format, he would have had to fly directly from the IPL final to England for the new World Test Championship cycle starting June 20. This high-pressure workload might have pushed him to make the tough decision to retire.
With Kohli and Rohit Sharma both retiring from Tests, India is entering a new era. Shubman Gill has taken over as captain and will bat at No. 4, while Rishabh Pant has been promoted to vice-captain and will continue in the middle order. The first Test against England at Headingley signals the start of this transition and a fresh challenge for the team.
Kohli’s absence will certainly be felt, but his legacy remains strong. As Indian cricket looks to the future, the hope is that fresh leadership can carry forward the standards he helped set.
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