Ravi Shastri Shocked by Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement: ‘Mentally Fried After Giving Everything’
In a stunning revelation, former India head coach Ravi Shastri expressed his disbelief over Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket, admitting that he believed the modern-day batting titan had at least two to three more years of red-ball dominance left in him. Kohli, who bid farewell to the longest format on Monday, leaves behind a legacy of 123 Tests, 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, studded with 30 centuries—statistics that cement his status as one of India’s greatest Test cricketers.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri disclosed that he had a conversation with Kohli just a week prior to the announcement, during which it became evident that the 35-year-old had already made up his mind. ‘I did speak to him about it, and his mind was very clear that he’d given us everything. There were no regrets,’ Shastri remarked, highlighting Kohli’s clarity and conviction. However, the former coach admitted the decision caught him off guard, stating, ‘Virat surprised me because I thought he had more Test match cricket in him. But when you’re mentally fried and overcooked, that’s what signals the body—even if you’re the fittest guy in the team.’
Delving deeper into the reasons behind Kohli’s burnout, Shastri pointed to the relentless pressure and spotlight that accompanied the star batter throughout his career. ‘He’s got accolades around the globe and a bigger following than any cricketer in the last decade. Whether in Australia or South Africa, he drew massive crowds and evoked a love-hate relationship with fans,’ Shastri explained. Kohli’s intensity, both on and off the field, often got under the skin of opponents and viewers alike, with his celebrations and passion acting like a ‘rash that spread quickly’—not just within the dressing room but into living rooms worldwide.
Kohli’s tenure as Test captain was equally iconic, leading India to 40 victories in 68 matches, making him the most successful Indian Test captain in history. Shastri, who shared a fruitful captain-coach partnership with Kohli, praised his unmatched commitment: ‘If he decided to do something, he gave 100 percent. Whether as a batsman or captain, he wanted to take every wicket, every catch, and make every decision on the field. That level of involvement inevitably leads to burnout if you don’t take a step back or compartmentalize across formats.’
Under their combined leadership, India achieved historic milestones, including a maiden Test series win in Australia (2018-19), back-to-back series victories in the West Indies, and ending a two-decade-long Test series drought in Sri Lanka in 2015. These triumphs redefined Indian Test cricket on the global stage, with Kohli often at the forefront, both as a run-machine and a fiery leader.
Shastri concluded by asserting that Kohli has nothing left to prove in the game. ‘At times, players retire and later wish they had done more. But with Virat, he’s done it all. He’s captained India to victories, won World Cups, led the Under-19 World Cup triumph in 2008, and achieved personal milestones. There’s nothing left for him to achieve,’ Shastri noted, emphasizing the completeness of Kohli’s illustrious journey.
As the cricketing world processes this unexpected exit, fans and experts alike will remember Virat Kohli not just for his staggering numbers but for the intensity, passion, and heart he brought to Test cricket. While his bat may fall silent in whites, his legacy as a game-changer and a leader will resonate for generations to come.