Virat Kohli’s Retirement Wasn’t About Form – Here’s the Real Reason
Virat Kohli’s retirement has stunned the cricketing world, and now, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has finally revealed the real reason behind the star batter’s unexpected decision to walk away from the longest format of the game.
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The decision of Virat Kohli retiring, announced just weeks ahead of India’s high-stakes five-Test series against England, has marked the end of an era in Indian cricket.
With a career that boasts 9,230 Test runs, 30 centuries, and a historic captaincy record of 40 wins in 68 matches, Virat Kohli’s retirement has triggered strong emotions among fans and cricket pundits. Now, Shastri has clarified that the decision wasn’t due to form or fitness — but rather, mental fatigue.
“The Mind Told the Body It’s Time to Go” – Shastri on Virat Kohli’s Exit
In an emotional interview on The ICC Review, Shastri revealed that Kohli contacted him a week before announcing his retirement. The two, who shared a deep bond during one of Indian cricket’s most successful Test eras, discussed the personal reasons behind the move.
“There were no regrets. His mind was very clear… there were no doubts,” Shastri said. “When the mind tells the body it’s time to go, that’s it.”
Shastri emphasized that Virat Kohli’s retirement was not forced by external pressures or performance concerns. On the contrary, Kohli remains among the fittest cricketers in the world. His decision was driven by the toll taken by years of intensity, scrutiny, and the ever-demanding spotlight.
Kohli: The Relentless Warrior Who Burned Bright
From leading India to an Under-19 World Cup to becoming the nation’s most successful Test captain, Virat Kohli played with unmatched passion and drive.
But that relentless intensity came at a cost.
“It’s as if he had to take all the wickets, all the catches, make all the decisions,” Ravi Shastri said, pointing to the mental toll that justified Virat Kohli’s retirement.
Beyond cricket, Kohli’s global fame meant constant scrutiny — every move watched, every moment magnified.
“He has a bigger following than any cricketer in the last decade,” Shastri noted. “Love him or hate him, you couldn’t ignore him.”
“He Had 2-3 More Years in Him” – But Walked Away on His Terms
Though Shastri believes Virat Kohli could have played two to three more years of Test cricket, he praised the former captain for stepping away on his own terms — with no regrets.
“Sometimes, if you wait too long, you end up with regrets. Kohli has none,” Shastri said. “He’s ticked every box — from leading India to historic series wins in Australia to transforming India’s image overseas.”
As the cricket world digests the impact of Virat Kohli’s retirement, one thing remains clear: he leaves behind a legacy built on passion, discipline, and fearless leadership — and he exits the longest format of the game as one of its brightest stars.