Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed disappointment at the way Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket was handled, suggesting it could have been approached with better communication and planning. Kohli, one of India’s most iconic Test players and the nation’s most successful red-ball captain, announced his retirement from the format in May 2025 — just weeks ahead of the high-stakes five-match Test series against England, starting June 20.
“A Great Player, A Big Loss for Test Cricket”: Shastri
Speaking on Sony Sports Network’s program ‘Bharat Tum Chale Chalo: Kahani 21-22 Ki’, Shastri reflected on Kohli’s legacy and the unexpected nature of his exit. “Virat has announced his retirement from Test matches, which is sad — because he’s a great player. A great player. It’s only when you go that people truly realise how big a player you were,” he said.
Shastri highlighted that Kohli’s contribution goes far beyond stats. “Stats don’t do justice — it’s about the way he carried himself, especially as an ambassador for Test match cricket, particularly overseas. The way he played at Lord’s, and how his team turned things around — it was unreal. And I’m glad I was a part of it.”
Sudden Exit Raises Questions About Communication
Shastri didn’t hide his disappointment over how the retirement was announced. “I feel sad that he’s gone the way he has — suddenly. I think it could have been handled better, maybe with more communication. If I had anything to do with it, I would’ve made him captain straight after Australia,” he remarked.
Virat Kohli retires with an impressive record of 9230 runs in 123 Tests, averaging 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. However, since 2020, his form had seen a dip, averaging just 30.73 across 39 Tests — a factor that may have contributed to his decision to step away from red-ball cricket.
Despite recent struggles, Kohli’s impact on Indian Test cricket remains immense — particularly for the passion and aggression he brought to overseas tours, transforming the team’s mindset and approach.
As India prepares for the upcoming England series, Kohli’s absence leaves a notable void — one that fans and former teammates like Shastri believe could have been addressed with more care and respect for the legacy he leaves behind.
