Hurt retired? The painful truth behind Virat Kohli’s abrupt Test retirement

Dubai: Virat Kohli is just hours away from making his first appearance since announcing his shock retirement from Test cricket. While there were several theories behind the decision — from burnout to family reasons — a new and startling revelation suggests a shift in the Indian board’s plans may have played a decisive role in Kohli’s abrupt call.

According to Sports Today, Kohli was informally informed during the Australia tour that he would be reinstated as India’s red-ball captain. However, a sudden change in the management’s direction led the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to opt for a younger, long-term option to lead the side instead.

Kohli, who played in the domestic Ranji Trophy for Delhi after complying with the board’s 10-point directive, was reportedly keen to lead again. He even showed interest in playing for India A as part of his preparation for the England Test series. But by April, it became clear that he was no longer the frontrunner for the captaincy — and not even a guaranteed starter for the Tests.

The shift in plans appears to have forced Kohli’s hand. He informed the board of his decision to step away, and although reports suggest the BCCI urged him to finish with the England tour, the 36-year-old bowed out immediately, ending his 14-year career. He retires as one of India’s greatest Test batters, with 9,230 runs and 30 centuries — the fourth-most Test runs in Indian cricket history.

With a five-match Test series in England just around the corner, his absence has left a significant void in the Indian camp.

Former selector and Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh, who recently interacted with Kohli, said there had been “no indication” of retirement in their conversations. Singh described Kohli as being in top shape and highly motivated to prove a point in England.

“He got one hundred in Australia, but wasn’t satisfied. He said he wanted three or four centuries in England,” Singh told the media.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who shared a highly successful partnership with Kohli between 2017 and 2021, told The ICC Review that Kohli had confided in him a week before the announcement and had already made peace with the decision.

“His mind was very clear,” said Shastri. “He had given everything. There were no regrets. The mind had told the body: it’s time to go.”

Shastri admitted he was surprised by the timing. “I thought he had at least two-three years of Test cricket left. But when you’re mentally overcooked, that’s what tells the body. You might be the fittest guy around, but if you’re mentally done, the message is clear: that’s it.”

With Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from the longest format, India are preparing to enter a new red-ball era — one that will be shaped by incoming head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has reportedly requested full autonomy ahead of the five-Test series in England beginning June 20.

The BCCI, selection committee and Gambhir are expected to meet in the coming days to finalise the squad and plug gaps in leadership and the middle order. Shubman Gill is tipped to take over as captain, with Rishabh Pant likely to serve as deputy. Jasprit Bumrah was also in the running, but a fresh injury in the Sydney Test may rule him out.

The new World Test Championship cycle begins at Headingley, and the pressure to deliver will be immediate. Gambhir’s real test starts now — forging a bold, young side from the shadows of India’s golden era.