When Virat Kohli announced his shock retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, it sent ripples through the cricketing world. The timing was particularly jarring—coming just a month before India's highly anticipated five-match Test series in England, and right in the middle of IPL season.
The 37-year-old batting icon, who amassed nearly 10,000 Test runs over a storied 13-year red-ball career, had last worn India's white jersey during the away Border-Gavaskar Trophy the previous winter. For months, speculation swirled around his decision, but Kohli remained silent—until now.
In a recent, candid conversation with RCB media, the former India captain opened up about what truly drove him away from the longest format. And his words suggest it wasn't entirely his choice.
"If I'm made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I'm not in that space," Kohli revealed. "Because I'm being honest to my preparation. I put my head down. I work hard. I'm very thankful for everything cricket has given me. But when I arrive to play, I work as hard, if not harder, than anyone else. You want me to run boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI? I will do that without complaint."
The subtext is clear: Kohli believes relentless criticism over his form in Tests played a role in his premature exit. While he didn't name names, fans were quick to connect the dots—pointing fingers at BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Since his Test retirement, Kohli has returned to international cricket in October 2025, playing three consecutive ODI series against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. His passion for the white-ball game remains undimmed, and his eyes are set firmly on the 2027 World Cup.
For cricket fans and aspiring players, Kohli's journey is a powerful reminder: even legends face pressures behind the scenes. As we celebrate his incredible Test legacy, his story also speaks to the importance of mental resilience and knowing your worth—on and off the pitch.