Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket has shocked fans and experts alike. With over 9,000 Test runs and many match-winning knocks, Kohli was seen as one of India’s best red-ball players. But his decision to quit the format without warning has raised questions. Was it really his call, or was he pushed out?
Kaif Thinks There’s More Behind the Scenes
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes Kohli didn’t plan to retire. He says the sudden exit hints that something deeper happened behind closed doors. Kohli might not have received the support he expected from the BCCI and selectors.
“He probably wanted to continue playing Tests,” Kaif said. “But maybe the selectors told him that his place was no longer certain.”
Kohli had recently played domestic matches like the Ranji Trophy, which shows he was trying to stay in form and make a return. Kaif feels this proves Kohli was aiming for a comeback, not retirement.
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Performance Pressure and Missing Support
In the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli didn’t do well. He scored only 190 runs in nine innings. One unbeaten knock of 100 stood out, but the rest of the series was disappointing. Kaif noticed that Kohli seemed in a rush, trying to score quickly instead of building his innings slowly like he used to.
“He looked in a hurry,” Kaif said. “Earlier, he would spend hours, wear down bowlers, and then attack. But in Australia, he kept chasing wide balls and getting caught in slips.”
This change in style, Kaif says, may be because Kohli already felt pressure, knowing this could be his final chance. Maybe he wanted one last big score to prove he still belonged in the team.
Did BCCI Influence His Decision?
Kaif hints that a quiet message may have come from the selectors: your time is up. Kohli, always known for his pride and discipline, may have chosen to walk away instead of being dropped. Kaif says the BCCI’s communication could have been a key factor in Kohli’s decision.
“It felt like a last-minute call. Something shifted behind the scenes,” Kaif added.
Virat Kohli didn't want to retire from Tests, he wanted to play Test cricket, He has been forced by BCCI.
Rohit and Virat, both came to play Ranji to get back in form and prepare for England series but BCCI discriminated against them and forced them for retirement.
BOYCOTT BCCI pic.twitter.com/0ARcjf6Kdd— Lucifer (@LuciferCric) May 12, 2025
Comparison with Rohit’s Exit
Rohit Sharma had earlier announced his retirement from Test cricket. That wasn’t a big surprise to many. He had skipped the Sydney Test and didn’t seem interested in continuing. But Kohli’s decision was sudden and unexpected.
“Rohit’s decision made sense. But Kohli’s exit confused me,” Kaif said. “He’s 36, still super fit, and has made comebacks before.”
Kohli has always been known for fighting back. That’s why this retirement feels odd. Kaif believes that with a little more support, Kohli might have continued.
Delhi Coach’s shocking Revelation about Virat Kohli’s sudden test retirement
The Delhi Ranji coach said Virat Kohli had discussed his plans for the England tour just weeks before his retirement. The coach revealed that when asked about playing county cricket to prepare for the England series, Kohli responded by outlining specific plans to play two India A matches in England. More tellingly, the former India captain expressed his ambition to score ‘4-5 centuries in the England series,’ drawing parallels to his stellar performance during the 2018 tour.
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