Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket

[Gollum]

7 minutes ago, tapandrun said:

when compared to his contemporary elite batters root, williamson, smith all 3 are 50+ averaging test batters. 

 

Tbh before Bazball era, English pitches were tough. Curated for Anderson-Broad.  

 

Post 2017, Aus pitches are hella tough.

 

NZ has lots of juice in its home pitches though Mama has feasted a lot against weaker sides. 

 

Conditions all around the world are tough for batting. RSA in fact has been hell for batting for last 10-15 years, nobody there even averages 40. In this era, all countries are rigging pitches to produce more results, test cricket can't afford draws/borefests in the era of WTC and high paced T20 leagues. 

[rtmohanlal]

Hugely disappointed that he retired with out 11000 runs @ 48 average. By far the best LIMITED OVERS  FORMAT batsman of this generation.Expected a purple patch of some 20 tests  before  retiring from tests , but that was not to be.

[Ultimate_Game]

9 hours ago, rtmohanlal said:

Hugely disappointed that he retired with out 11000 runs @ 48 average. By far the best LIMITED OVERS  FORMAT batsman of this generation.Expected a purple patch of some 20 tests  before  retiring from tests , but that was not to be.

 

Purple patch of 20 Tests when he has averaged 30 over the last  5 years?! Take out his peak of 3-4 years from 2016-2019, and he's one of the most mediocre no. 4 batters to play the game for as long as he has done.

[Real McCoy]

What a drama queen? India was busy with Operation Sindoor when he made the retirement announcement. Piss off to england and take your money you made off of India to the british empire. As if brits haven't stolen enough money from India

[Gollum]

Australia the graveyard for so many of our guys beyond an age. Earlier also VVS, Dravid, Dhoni, Zak, Sehwag etc., either bowed out there or lost their will to fight on. This time, Ashwin, Kohli, Rohit having played their final tests in Aus. A tour to that country makes you but also breaks you. 

 

Note to future, never carry past it guys, oldies to Australia. Not one success/surprise story going by history. 

In an RCB event, Kohli was asked about his biggest heartbreak in cricket. It would surely have been the 2023 ODI WC? But na, he said the recent Australia tour was that for him.

I think the series just broke him - the leaks and the environment didn't help. It was it.

— Sarah Waris (@swaris16) May 14, 2025

Edited May 14, 2025 by Gollum

[diga]

2 hours ago, Real McCoy said:

What a drama queen? India was busy with Operation Sindoor when he made the retirement announcement. Piss off to england and take your money you made off of India to the british empire. As if brits haven't stolen enough money from India

you will see him in blazers / anushka with the fancy victoria hat in the mcc members box of Lords

[Mariyam]

Thank you, Kohli

 

[Lord]

18 hours ago, Gollum said:

When the dust settles, even his haters will realize that Jaddu is the most valuable test player of his generation. Unfortunate that we never hyped him up like Poms do with Stokes. Hate him as a white ball player but in tests, no questioning his greatness. 

 

Only in India will such a player be hated and yes most don't miss a chance to abuse him in Tests too

 

 

[Soorma Bhopali]

To be frank , the decision that family can accompany the cricketers only for 2 weeks have led to these accelerated retirements. Rohit already had fitness issues and would have anyway led to this call. However, Virat has just lost that hunger to fight for his place and standing in test cricket for past 2 years. Both of them did not show the drive to play domestic or ,say, county cricket and now that australia series was lost and reports tumbled out of the entourage and almost 150 kg luggage ; this was on the cards. I was very surprised that Virat skipped all 5 home tests against England last year. 

 

Both Rohit and Virat have been great servants of Indian cricket . It's now time to begin on a fresh plate and in the interim, we can get Cheteshwar Pujara back along with Karun Nair to bring some experience in this lineup.

[Soorma Bhopali]

On 5/13/2025 at 12:01 PM, goose said:

 

we speak of post 2020 kohli averaging in the 30s, many saying he should have retired years ago. yet we are going to hand the captaincy to someone also averaging the 30s after 30 odd tests. why do want one to walk away while for the other we are full of hope!

We need to take a bold new direction and make Shreyas Iyer the captain. In my view, he is the only one  fit to captain both Test & ODI teams .

Edited May 15, 2025 by Soorma Bhopali

[JazzyB]

On 5/12/2025 at 11:15 PM, New guy said:

Sachin played barely a year and more after his God like form. 

 

His per year average from 2007 was 56, 48, 68, 78 and 47. Then in 2012 he had bad form for one single year, played some matches in 2013 and retired. So his bad form was just over a year

 

Meanwhile kohli has been averaging 30 with only 3 100s since last FIVE years

 

Sachin had one of the least "dragging on" in the history of indian cricket. Have some shame when talking about "dragging" things.

Then why exactly did the Selfish one retire right on 200 tests and not 198

 

why did he retire after torturing indian cricket for several months to get tto his 100 100

 

if this is not playing for milestones, then i got a bridge to sell you

[New guy]

34 minutes ago, JazzyB said:

Then why exactly did the Selfish one retire right on 200 tests and not 198

 

why did he retire after torturing indian cricket for several months to get tto his 100 100

 

if this is not playing for milestones, then i got a bridge to sell you

Again I gave you actual numbers. He has the SHORTEST hanging on among indian legends. 

 

If he was "torturing", then every other legend tortured india much more. Kohli did it 5 times more than Sachin.

 

He played 200 tests because he was good enough for 190 and thought he can play more. 

 

You are completely shameless using words like "torturing" for one of the biggest legend of indian crickets who hung on for the shortest period after losing form.

 

The only selfish losers are the ones who are like leeches who feel legends are entitled to their pettiness. 

 

 

Edited May 15, 2025 by New guy

[Ultimate_Game]

18 hours ago, Lord said:

 

Only in India will such a player be hated and yes most don't miss a chance to abuse him in Tests too

 

 

 

Don't think people hate Jadeja for Tests. Genuine cricket fans know Jadeja isn't a white-ball cricketer and criticize him for it. As a Test player Jadeja makes it to India's ATG team.

[rollingstoned]

Kohli 'got no support' from BCCI selectors, was told 'his spot is no longer there': They cited his form in last 5 years

Mohammad Kaif claimed Virat Kohli had his plans intact for the England series, but lacked support from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee

Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket on Monday(PTI)

 

Virat Kohli's Instagram post on Monday (May 12), which garnered close to 18 million engagements in the last 48 hours, did not provide any information on why he suddenly decided to retire from Test cricket. The BCCI and its selectors, too, are numb. Hence, the announcement, which happened just days before the scheduled selection meeting for the England Test tour, sparked a plethora of speculations.

 

 

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif reckoned Kohli had his plans intact for the England series, which will begin on June 20, and his claim was based on Kohli's commitment to play in the Ranji Trophy after returning from the Australia tour. However, he felt that Kohli lacked support from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, who expressed concerns around his recent form and questioned his place in the Test line-up.

“I think he wanted to continue in the format. There must have been some internal talks with the BCCI, the selectors may have cited his form in the past 5-6 years and told him his spot in the team may no longer be there. We will never find out what happened, it is very difficult to guess what actually took place behind the scenes.”

"But given the last minute decision, having played the Ranji trophy, I definitely think he wanted to come back in the upcoming Tests. The developments in the last few weeks, he may have not gotten the support he thought he will get from BCCI and selectors which he may not have gotten," Kaif was quoted by NDTV.

 

'Kohli looked in a hurry to score runs in Australia'

The 36-year-old did experience a dip in form in the last five years, managing just 2028 runs in 68 innings with three centuries. The struggle even saw his career average drop to 46. Kohli showed signs of a comeback in the tour of Australia, where he scored a smashing ton in the Perth opener last November, but managed just 90 runs more in the rest of the tour as India lost 1-3.

Kaif felt Kohli's uncharacteristic approach in Australia was a sure indication that he was done with the format.

"In the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he looked in a hurry to score runs. You have to stay out for hours and grind in Test cricket, which he has done in the past but the constant edging of the ball moving away from him while attempting to drive, made me feel his patience was a bit less," he added.

"Maybe he was thinking 'I am in the last phase of my career what's the point of scoring a gritty century, there used to be a different level of patience on display from him before, he used to leave the balls, take his time, tire the bowlers and then took them down but I did not see that from him in Australia'."

"That one method of dismissal at the slips perhaps shows that he was not ready to spend hours at the crease. The communication from BCCI and the self-realization in red-ball cricket may have led to the decision," he elaborated.

[Gollum]

5 years is a long enough rope, period. In this time frame, Jadeja was a superior bat with 40+ average and consistency in all conditions. Even Sachin struggled only for 2 years at the end......similarly Viru, VVS, Gambo, Dravid, all bad for 1-2 years before calling it quits.....no one had such an extended drought. 

 

And Kohli also didn't show any initiative to put in the hard yards, no Ranji/county games, missing so many tests for non-injury related reasons, repeated manner of dismissals. NZ and BGT back to back humiliation was the final straw. Ashwin, Ro-Ko retirement in last few months is the best news out of our disastrous end to WTC cycle, wish Shami too had followed suit since he is even more finished because of the physical demands of fast bowling. 

Edited May 16, 2025 by Gollum

[Ultimate_Game]

10 hours ago, rollingstoned said:

Kohli 'got no support' from BCCI selectors, was told 'his spot is no longer there': They cited his form in last 5 years

Mohammad Kaif claimed Virat Kohli had his plans intact for the England series, but lacked support from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee

Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket on Monday(PTI)

 

Virat Kohli's Instagram post on Monday (May 12), which garnered close to 18 million engagements in the last 48 hours, did not provide any information on why he suddenly decided to retire from Test cricket. The BCCI and its selectors, too, are numb. Hence, the announcement, which happened just days before the scheduled selection meeting for the England Test tour, sparked a plethora of speculations.

 

 

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif reckoned Kohli had his plans intact for the England series, which will begin on June 20, and his claim was based on Kohli's commitment to play in the Ranji Trophy after returning from the Australia tour. However, he felt that Kohli lacked support from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, who expressed concerns around his recent form and questioned his place in the Test line-up.

“I think he wanted to continue in the format. There must have been some internal talks with the BCCI, the selectors may have cited his form in the past 5-6 years and told him his spot in the team may no longer be there. We will never find out what happened, it is very difficult to guess what actually took place behind the scenes.”

"But given the last minute decision, having played the Ranji trophy, I definitely think he wanted to come back in the upcoming Tests. The developments in the last few weeks, he may have not gotten the support he thought he will get from BCCI and selectors which he may not have gotten," Kaif was quoted by NDTV.

 

'Kohli looked in a hurry to score runs in Australia'

The 36-year-old did experience a dip in form in the last five years, managing just 2028 runs in 68 innings with three centuries. The struggle even saw his career average drop to 46. Kohli showed signs of a comeback in the tour of Australia, where he scored a smashing ton in the Perth opener last November, but managed just 90 runs more in the rest of the tour as India lost 1-3.

Kaif felt Kohli's uncharacteristic approach in Australia was a sure indication that he was done with the format.

"In the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he looked in a hurry to score runs. You have to stay out for hours and grind in Test cricket, which he has done in the past but the constant edging of the ball moving away from him while attempting to drive, made me feel his patience was a bit less," he added.

"Maybe he was thinking 'I am in the last phase of my career what's the point of scoring a gritty century, there used to be a different level of patience on display from him before, he used to leave the balls, take his time, tire the bowlers and then took them down but I did not see that from him in Australia'."

"That one method of dismissal at the slips perhaps shows that he was not ready to spend hours at the crease. The communication from BCCI and the self-realization in red-ball cricket may have led to the decision," he elaborated.

 

For once I agree with BCCI and selectors. 5 years is a long time. In fact Gambhir's entire career was around 6 years (2007-2013) and Kohli already got a rope longer than anyone I've seen in world cricket. What did he expect? To be carried for another 5 years till he was mid 40s? And what do you tell youngsters like Sai or Sarfaraz who're waiting on the sidelines and performing in Ranji? That they should wait for the "King" to score when he's 40?

 

Kohli should've been dropped from Tests in 2021-22. Ideally, he shouldn't have come back in Tests after BGT in 2020-21 when Rahane did an excellent job of leading youngsters to an incredible win in Aus. Rahane should've captained in Tests for the next 3 years or so and a future captain identified under Rahane (preferably Iyer). There was no need to bring in Rohit as Test captain as well when Rohit was a misfit for Tests. BCCI phucked up multiple times and the only good decision they've finally made is kicking out Kohli for his no-shows for more than 5 years.

 

And now BCCI needs to follow it with pushing Kohli and Rohit out of ODIs as well. You can't play them as near 40 year olds who're semi-retired and barely play any cricket. They can't just walk up into the team for a few ODIs every year.

[BlueBee]

He has had a tremendous impact in Indian cricket. Probably the best Indian test captain ever. He took the right decision to retire and pave the way for young players. 

[Bigg Brother]

On 5/16/2025 at 9:01 AM, rollingstoned said:

Kohli 'got no support' from BCCI selectors, was told 'his spot is no longer there': They cited his form in last 5 years

Mohammad Kaif claimed Virat Kohli had his plans intact for the England series, but lacked support from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee

Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket on Monday(PTI)

 

Virat Kohli's Instagram post on Monday (May 12), which garnered close to 18 million engagements in the last 48 hours, did not provide any information on why he suddenly decided to retire from Test cricket. The BCCI and its selectors, too, are numb. Hence, the announcement, which happened just days before the scheduled selection meeting for the England Test tour, sparked a plethora of speculations.

 

 

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif reckoned Kohli had his plans intact for the England series, which will begin on June 20, and his claim was based on Kohli's commitment to play in the Ranji Trophy after returning from the Australia tour. However, he felt that Kohli lacked support from the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, who expressed concerns around his recent form and questioned his place in the Test line-up.

“I think he wanted to continue in the format. There must have been some internal talks with the BCCI, the selectors may have cited his form in the past 5-6 years and told him his spot in the team may no longer be there. We will never find out what happened, it is very difficult to guess what actually took place behind the scenes.”

"But given the last minute decision, having played the Ranji trophy, I definitely think he wanted to come back in the upcoming Tests. The developments in the last few weeks, he may have not gotten the support he thought he will get from BCCI and selectors which he may not have gotten," Kaif was quoted by NDTV.

 

'Kohli looked in a hurry to score runs in Australia'

The 36-year-old did experience a dip in form in the last five years, managing just 2028 runs in 68 innings with three centuries. The struggle even saw his career average drop to 46. Kohli showed signs of a comeback in the tour of Australia, where he scored a smashing ton in the Perth opener last November, but managed just 90 runs more in the rest of the tour as India lost 1-3.

Kaif felt Kohli's uncharacteristic approach in Australia was a sure indication that he was done with the format.

"In the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he looked in a hurry to score runs. You have to stay out for hours and grind in Test cricket, which he has done in the past but the constant edging of the ball moving away from him while attempting to drive, made me feel his patience was a bit less," he added.

"Maybe he was thinking 'I am in the last phase of my career what's the point of scoring a gritty century, there used to be a different level of patience on display from him before, he used to leave the balls, take his time, tire the bowlers and then took them down but I did not see that from him in Australia'."

"That one method of dismissal at the slips perhaps shows that he was not ready to spend hours at the crease. The communication from BCCI and the self-realization in red-ball cricket may have led to the decision," he elaborated.

This whole drama is just stupid and nauseating. And this includes Rohit Sharma,too (Stories about Agarkar and Gambhir didn't support him). 

 

 

Kohli was on unbelievable decline. He was laying ducks in home series after series and Boland had just embarrassed him in Australia. It was time. Dravid and VVS atleast didn't  lose us series at Home still retirement didn't make such noise . Actually they(Ro-Ko) should have called it quit after Australia tour itself but instead BCCI brought in some gimmicky moves(Appointing Shitanshu Kotak as batting coach and that Wife and GFs not allowed drama). Even Dhongi wasn't this bad in his last phase as test cricketer. In England and Australia, he would have been thrown out of test team without all this niceties.

[kosingh]

He should have been dropped 3 years ago. That would have forced him to work on his red ball game. Should have been asked to play ranji then. Maybe he would have come back to the Indian test side a better player and played until he was 40. 

[rollingstoned]

19 minutes ago, Bigg Brother said:

This whole drama is just stupid and nauseating. And this includes Rohit Sharma,too (Stories about Agarkar and Gambhir didn't support him). 

 

 

Kohli was on unbelievable decline. He was laying ducks in home series after series and Boland had just embarrassed him in Australia. It was time. Dravid and VVS atleast didn't  lose us series at Home still retirement didn't make such noise . Actually they(Ro-Ko) should have called it quit after Australia tour itself but instead BCCI brought in some gimmicky moves(Appointing Shitanshu Kotak as batting coach and that Wife and GFs not allowed drama). Even Dhongi wasn't this bad in his last phase as test cricketer. In England and Australia, he would have been thrown out of test team without all this niceties.

Yea, finch was honest when he said if he was Aussie then he would've been dropped at least 3 yrs ago. 

Pr for Rohit sharma too os through the roof. The impression being created is 2 legends were being hard done by and not even given a proper farewell. Surprised even someone like Kumble is peddling this.