Virat Kohli's recent announcement of his retirement from Test cricket has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, prompting discussions about the reasons behind his decision and the future of the Indian team. While Kohli has remained tight-lipped about the specifics, former India chief selector MSK Prasad has alluded to the pressures that may have contributed to this unexpected move.

Kohli's retirement comes after a period of fluctuating form and increased scrutiny. After a stellar career amassing 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, his performance dipped in the last five years, with his average falling and centuries becoming less frequent. This decline in form coincided with India's struggles in major tournaments, leading to immense pressure on Kohli, who has been the linchpin of the Indian batting lineup for over a decade.

MSK Prasad, who worked closely with Kohli during his tenure as a selector, acknowledged the immense pressure that players face, especially someone of Kohli's stature. He suggested that the burden of expectations, coupled with the constant media attention and public scrutiny, could have played a significant role in Kohli's decision. Kohli himself has spoken about the mental pressures of performing at the highest level, particularly after experiencing failures. He mentioned how negative energy and disappointment from outside can burden a player, leading to desperation and affecting their performance.

Adding to the pressure, recent reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took some bold decisions after the 3-1 drubbing to Australia, mandating the players to play domestic cricket. Following the tour of Australia, the BCCI barred permanent stays of cricketers' families on overseas tours, allowing them to stay only for 14 days if the tour was more than 1.5 months. It is believed that this might have acted as a catalyst in Kohli's decision to retire.

The timing of Kohli's retirement is particularly significant, as it comes just ahead of India's crucial five-match Test series against England. With Rohit Sharma also recently retiring from Test cricket, India's middle order will be largely inexperienced. This has created a selection dilemma for the team management, who now have the responsibility of finding a suitable replacement for Kohli at the No. 4 slot. Several players are under consideration, including Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, but filling the void left by Kohli's departure will be a daunting task.

Despite the circumstances surrounding his retirement, Kohli's contribution to Test cricket remains unparalleled. He redefined a generation of Test cricketers and instilled a culture of aggression and passion in the Indian team. As the most successful Test captain for India, with 40 wins out of 68 matches, Kohli led the team to unprecedented heights and made them a formidable force in the longest format of the game. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.