Virat Kohli's sudden retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. At 36, and with a stellar record behind him, his decision left many surprised and speculating about the reasons behind it. Now, Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and BCCI President, has weighed in, offering his perspective on Kohli's choice.
Ganguly acknowledged that retirement is a personal decision, stating that it was Kohli's prerogative to step away from the longest format of the game. While also admitting he was surprised by the timing, Ganguly implied that Kohli likely felt it was the right time to move on. He emphasized that Kohli had given his all to Test cricket and perhaps believed he had achieved everything he could in that arena.
Kohli's career statistics speak volumes about his impact on Test cricket. In 123 Test matches, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. He also holds the record for the most Test wins as an Indian captain, with 40 victories in 68 matches. His aggressive and passionate approach to the game made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent.
Several theories have emerged regarding the rationale behind Kohli's retirement. Some suggest that mental fatigue might have played a role. The constant pressure of performing at the highest level, coupled with the expectations of a billion fans, can take a toll on even the most resilient athletes. Ravi Shastri, former India coach, alluded to this, suggesting Kohli had reached a point where his mind told his body it was time to stop.
Another perspective, offered by former England spinner Monty Panesar, is that Kohli's struggles with deliveries outside off-stump might have influenced his decision. Panesar believes that Kohli, who had successfully addressed this issue in the past, may have found it more challenging to do so at this stage of his career, particularly with the prospect of facing swinging conditions in England.
Former Indian player Mohammad Kaif offered another theory, suggesting that Kohli may have felt a lack of support from the BCCI. Kaif stated that despite Kohli's desire to continue playing Test cricket, he may not have received the backing he needed, leading him to conclude that his efforts were not yielding the desired results.
Ganguly has expressed confidence in the new generation of players to step up and fill the void left by Kohli's departure. With young talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal emerging, Ganguly believes that Indian cricket has a strong system in place to handle such transitions. He highlighted the depth of talent in domestic cricket and the opportunities provided by leagues like the IPL as factors that contribute to the country's cricketing strength.
Kohli himself has urged youngsters to treat Test cricket with respect, emphasizing the importance of earning respect in the format. Even after his retirement, he continues to value Test cricket highly.
Ultimately, the decision to retire is a deeply personal one, and it is likely that a combination of factors contributed to Kohli's choice. Whether it was mental fatigue, a desire to focus on other formats, or a feeling that he had achieved all he could in Test cricket, Kohli has left an indelible mark on the game. His contributions will be remembered for years to come, and his legacy as one of the greatest Test batsmen of all time is secure.
