Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, has left fans and experts debating the timing and implications of his decision.
While Kohli cited personal fulfillment and gratitude for the format, several compelling reasons suggest he could have continued to make a significant impact in Test cricket.
1. Unmatched Experience and Leadership
Kohli’s presence in the Indian Test team has been invaluable, not just for his runs but for his leadership and cricketing acumen.
As India’s most successful Test captain, he led the team to 40 wins in 68 matches, including a historic series victory in Australia in 2018-19-India’s first ever on Australian soil.
His tactical nous and ability to inspire teammates have played a crucial role in India’s rise as a dominant force in Test cricket.
With both Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring almost simultaneously, India is left with a young and relatively inexperienced top order, making Kohli’s continued guidance even more important during this transition phase.
2. Consistent Batting Prowess and Records
Kohli retires as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests, with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
Even in his final series, despite a dip in form, he managed a century in Perth, demonstrating he still could deliver at the highest level.
His hunger for runs and ability to perform under pressure have often been the backbone of India’s batting lineup.
With several challenging overseas tours ahead, his experience and skill could have anchored the team’s batting and provided stability to the lineup.
3. Role Model and Inspiration for the Next Generation
Kohli’s fitness, discipline, and relentless drive have set new standards for Indian cricketers, inspiring a generation to take Test cricket seriously.
His passion for the format and emphasis on the “quiet grind, the long days, the small moments” have elevated the stature of Test cricket among younger players.
Continuing in the longest format, even for a little longer, would have allowed him to mentor emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, helping ease the transition and ensuring the team’s culture of excellence endures.
