Kohli Breaks Silence on His Test Retirement Plans

Kohli Breaks Silence on His Test Retirement Plans

Virat Kohli’s name is etched in cricketing history as one of the finest batsmen and leaders of the modern era. On May 12, 2025, the cricketing world witnessed an emotional moment when the 36-year-old icon announced his retirement from Test cricket. Months after that heartfelt decision, Kohli finally opened up about his thoughts on leaving the longest format of the game—with humor, humility, and gratitude.

In a candid chat with friends from the cricketing world, Kohli offered his first public reflections on life after Test cricket, giving fans a glimpse of his mindset post-retirement.

Kohli’s Humorous Take on Retirement

In a light-hearted conversation hosted by Gaurav Kapoor, alongside cricketing greats Ravi Shastri, Yuvraj Singh, and Chris Gayle, Kohli spoke about his retirement in the witty manner fans have come to love.

When asked if he missed the cricket field, Kohli replied with a smile, “I just dyed my beard two days ago. When you have to color it every fourth day, that’s when you know—it’s time!”

His playful remark not only drew laughter from his friends but also reflected a sense of ease and acceptance. Kohli’s humor masked the gravity of stepping away from a format where he redefined excellence for over a decade.

Kohli Breaks Silence on His Test Retirement Plans
Kohli Breaks Silence on His Test Retirement Plans

A Bond Beyond Cricket: Kohli and Ravi Shastri

The conversation took an emotional turn when Kohli acknowledged the immense influence of former India head coach Ravi Shastri on his Test career.

“Honestly, without Ravi bhai, what we achieved in Test cricket wouldn’t have been possible,” Kohli said. “The clarity we had between us was rare. He always stood up during tough times, even in press conferences. That support meant a lot and I will always respect him for being such a big part of my cricketing journey.”

The mutual respect between Kohli and Shastri shaped one of Indian cricket’s most dominant Test eras, highlighted by back-to-back series wins in Australia and a rise to the No.1 ICC Test ranking.

Kohli’s Wimbledon Outing with Anushka

Away from the cricketing spotlight, Kohli has been making headlines for his off-field appearances. Recently, he was seen at the prestigious Wimbledon Championships, attending a match between Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur.

Accompanied by his wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, the couple’s pictures from the Royal Box went viral across social media. Dressed in their elegant best, Kohli and Anushka were the epitome of style and grace, delighting both cricket and film fans alike.

It was a refreshing sight to see Kohli enjoying his time off, embracing a slower pace of life after years of non-stop cricket.

Life Beyond the Cricket Field

Though retired from Test cricket, Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket remains monumental. His leadership, discipline, and fierce passion laid the foundation for India’s overseas success.

For now, Kohli seems to be enjoying his time away from the rigorous routines of international cricket. Fans can still look forward to seeing him in shorter formats, at least in the near future. Whether mentoring youngsters, engaging with fans, or pursuing his interests off the field, Kohli’s influence remains intact.

A Legacy That Transcends the Game

0Virat Kohli’s Test career ended with over 8,700 runs, 29 centuries, and countless match-winning performances. More than his records, it was his intensity and drive that inspired a new generation of cricketers.

The “King Kohli” era may have ended in whites, but his presence in the cricketing conversation will remain strong. Be it his leadership lessons, fitness revolution, or his cricketing philosophies, Kohli’s contribution will continue to shape Indian cricket for years to come.

A chapter closes, but the legacy lives on — read the full farewell to Virat Kohli’s Test journey.

Virat Kohli Retires from Test: End Of Era

Kohli Breaks Silence on His Test Retirement Plans
Kohli Breaks Silence on His Test Retirement Plans

Take Away

Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marked the end of a glorious chapter, but his story is far from over. With humor, humility, and a heart full of gratitude, he has embraced this next phase of life. Whether it’s sharing laughs with old teammates, showing up at Wimbledon, or reflecting on his journey, Kohli remains one of the most loved and admired personalities in sports.

As Indian cricket moves forward, Kohli’s legacy will continue to inspire not just cricketers, but fans across generations.

FAQs

Q1: Why did Virat Kohli retire from Test cricket?

Kohli cited the physical and mental demands of the format and hinted, humorously, at signs of aging as reasons behind his decision.

Q2: Is Virat Kohli retired from all forms of cricket?

No, Kohli has only retired from Test cricket. He is still available for limited-overs cricket.

Q3: What is Kohli doing post-retirement from Tests?

Kohli has been spending time with his family, traveling, and was recently seen attending Wimbledon with his wife, Anushka Sharma.

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