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The cricketing world was left stunned when Virat Kohli, one of the game’s modern greats, announced his retirement from Test cricket. The decision, revealed through an emotional post on Instagram, marked the end of an era in Indian cricket. Fans and pundits alike took time to process the departure of a player who redefined India’s approach to the longest format of the game.
In an era dominated by white-ball glitz and T20 spectacle, Virat Kohli emerged as a fierce guardian of Test cricket, rekindling India’s passion for the traditional format. He transformed India into a fearless, fast-bowling powerhouse capable of winning in any corner of the world.
Now, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has shed light on a private conversation he had with Kohli just a week before the big announcement—one that confirmed the legendary batter had made peace with his decision.
“He’d Given Everything”: Kohli’s Clarity of Mind
Speaking to Sanjana Ganesan, Shastri revealed, “I did speak to him about it, I think a week before that [his announcement] and his mind was very clear that he’d given us everything. There were no regrets.”
The veteran coach added that Kohli had no doubts, and his mental clarity was a strong indicator that the time had come.
“The mind has told his body that it’s time to go.”
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The Toll of Stardom and Constant Spotlight
Shastri reflected on Kohli’s intense journey as a cricketer constantly in the limelight.
“He’s got accolades around the globe… Whether it’s Australia or South Africa, people would watch just to see him.”
Describing Kohli’s polarising yet magnetic presence, Shastri noted,
“There was a love-hate relationship. His celebrations, his intensity—it was infectious. He could get under the skin of the viewers too.”
“I Thought He Had Two or Three More Years”
Admitting his own surprise, Shastri said, “Virat surprised me because I thought he had at least two-three years of Test match cricket left in him.”
However, he acknowledged the impact of mental burnout: “You might be physically the fittest guy in the business, but if you're mentally done, the message to the body is clear—‘That’s it.’”
An Era That Redefined Indian Test Cricket
The Shastri-Kohli partnership will be remembered as one of the most successful in Indian Test history. From the first-ever Test series win in Australia to conquering the West Indies and ending a 22-year drought in Sri Lanka, their era symbolised resilience, aggression, and a renewed hunger for overseas success.
Kohli’s legacy as India’s greatest Test captain is secure, and while his bat may now rest, his impact on the red-ball game will echo for generations to come.
