In a move that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest Test captains and batsmen, announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025. The decision, unexpected by fans and analysts alike, marked the end of an era for Indian cricket. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri recently shed light on the pivotal conversation he had with Kohli a week before the announcement, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a cricketing legend who felt he had “given everything” to the longest format of the game. This article explores Shastri’s revelations, Kohli’s Test legacy, and what lies ahead for the modern-day great.
The Conversation That Preceded the Decision
Ravi Shastri, known for his close professional relationship with Kohli during his tenure as India’s coach, spoke candidly about their discussion in an interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC). “I did speak to him about it, I think a week before that [his announcement], and his mind was very clear that he had given us everything. There were no regrets,” Shastri revealed. This clarity, according to Shastri, stemmed from Kohli’s deep introspection about his contributions to Test cricket and his readiness to step away.
Shastri’s comments highlight Kohli’s mental resolve. “There were one or two questions I asked, and that’s a conversation that stays between us,” he added, emphasizing the private nature of their exchange. However, Shastri noted that Kohli’s decision was not impulsive. Instead, it was the culmination of a thought process where Kohli assessed his achievements, his physical and mental energy, and his desire to contribute to other formats of the game. “His mind was very clear. He sees the bigger picture,” Shastri said, hinting at Kohli’s plans to focus on One Day Internationals (ODIs) and franchise cricket.
A Test Career Like No Other
Virat Kohli’s Test career is nothing short of extraordinary. Debuting in 2011 against the West Indies, Kohli went on to play 113 Tests, scoring 8,848 runs at an average of 49.15, including 27 centuries and 28 fifties. His transformation from a brash young talent to a disciplined run-machine and inspirational captain redefined Indian Test cricket. Under his leadership from 2014 to 2022, India achieved historic milestones, including a maiden Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 and consistent dominance at home.
Shastri, who coached India during much of Kohli’s captaincy, praised him as a “fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way.” Kohli’s passion for the format was evident in his aggressive captaincy, relentless pursuit of fitness, and ability to lead by example with the bat. His iconic performances, such as the 149 at Edgbaston in 2018 or the 254* against South Africa in 2019, showcased his mastery in challenging conditions. For Shastri, Kohli’s retirement marks the end of a chapter where he “left no stone unturned” in elevating India’s Test stature.
Why Now? Understanding Kohli’s Decision
At 36, Kohli is still at the peak of his physical fitness, leading many to question the timing of his retirement. However, Shastri’s insights suggest that Kohli’s decision was driven by a sense of fulfillment rather than external pressures. “He had given us everything,” Shastri reiterated, pointing to Kohli’s exhaustive commitment to Test cricket over a decade. The mental and physical toll of leading India in Tests, coupled with the demands of modern cricket’s packed schedule, likely played a role.
Kohli’s clarity about his future also reflects his pragmatic approach. “He still has something to contribute to the ODI game and has a lot of franchise cricket left in him,” Shastri noted. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, Kohli appears keen to channel his energies into the 50-over format, where he holds records like the fastest to 13,000 runs and 50 centuries. Additionally, his continued involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and other T20 leagues ensures that fans will still see plenty of the maestro.
The Bigger Picture: Kohli’s Vision for Cricket
Shastri’s reference to Kohli seeing “the bigger picture” underscores his forward-thinking mindset. Kohli has always been a visionary, whether it was revolutionizing India’s fitness culture or advocating for Test cricket’s relevance in a T20-dominated era. His decision to retire from Tests could be seen as a strategic move to prolong his career in other formats while making way for younger players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal to take Indian Test cricket forward.
Moreover, Kohli’s retirement aligns with a transitional phase for Indian cricket. With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma also nearing the twilight of their careers, Kohli’s exit allows the team to build a new core under a younger leadership group. Shastri’s comments suggest that Kohli is at peace with this shift, confident that he has left Indian Test cricket in a strong position.
Fan Reactions and the Legacy Debate
Kohli’s retirement sparked an outpouring of emotions on social media, particularly on X, where fans and pundits lauded his contributions while expressing sadness at his departure from Tests. Posts on X described Kohli as a “once-in-a-generation player” whose intensity and passion made Test cricket compelling. Others echoed Shastri’s sentiments, noting that Kohli’s clarity and lack of regrets reflected his self-assured personality.
The debate over Kohli’s legacy is inevitable. Some argue that his Test average, while impressive, falls short of legends like Sachin Tendulkar or Ricky Ponting. However, his impact transcends numbers. Kohli’s ability to win matches in tough overseas conditions, his role in building a fearsome pace attack, and his unrelenting drive to make India a Test powerhouse cement his place among the all-time greats. As Shastri put it, “There were no regrets,” a sentiment that resonates with Kohli’s satisfaction with his Test journey.
What’s Next for Virat Kohli?
While Test cricket fans mourn the loss of Kohli’s presence in whites, his future in cricket remains bright. His focus on ODIs positions him as a key figure for India’s 2027 World Cup campaign, where his experience and hunger for ICC silverware will be invaluable. In the IPL, Kohli continues to be a marquee player, with RCB fans hoping he can lead them to an elusive title. His potential involvement in global T20 leagues, such as the Big Bash or SA20, also keeps him in the spotlight.
For Shastri, Kohli’s retirement is not an end but a new beginning. “He has a lot of franchise cricket left in him,” he said, signaling that Kohli’s competitive spirit will continue to entertain millions. Off the field, Kohli’s business ventures, including his fitness brand and investments in sports startups, indicate a man preparing for life beyond cricket.
A Legacy Etched in Stone
Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, as revealed through Ravi Shastri’s heartfelt conversation, is a testament to his self-awareness and commitment to the game. By choosing to step away at a time when he felt he had given his all, Kohli has once again demonstrated the clarity and courage that defined his career. His Test legacy—marked by runs, victories, and an unyielding passion for the format—will inspire generations. As he transitions to new challenges in ODIs and franchise cricket, the cricketing world watches with bated breath, knowing that Kohli’s story is far from over.
Shastri’s words, “His mind was very clear,” encapsulate the essence of Kohli’s decision. For a player who lived and breathed Test cricket, walking away with no regrets is perhaps his greatest triumph.
