Sad Virat Kohli retired like this, I'd have made him Test captain: Ravi Shastri
Kohli's decision came just days after Rohit Sharma called time on his own Test career. While Rohit's retirement was somewhat expected, Kohli stepping away from the format he loved most caught many off guard." , ..." - Ravi ShastriWatch 'Bharat Tum Chale Chalo, Kahani 21-22 ki' from 15th June, only on Sony LIV & Sony Sports Network TV channels pic.twitter.com/yTOdk3THzj— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) June 11, 2025Sources told India Today that Kohli had informed the BCCI and selectors of his decision in May, and that a key board member had attempted to convince him to stay on for the England tour.advertisementNevertheless, Kohli proceeded with his retirement, sharing a heartfelt farewell message in which he explained his reasons for leaving behind the format that 'tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I'll carry for life'.Earlier in May, Ravi Shastri also confirmed that Kohli had spoken to him before taking the major decision regarding his Test career. Kohli finished his red-ball journey with 9,230 runs from 130 matches.India will now be without three of their biggest match-winners—Kohli, Rohit, and R Ashwin—for the upcoming tour of England, starting 20 June. The series also marks the beginning of India's new World Test Championship cycle.Shubman Gill will lead the side, with Rishabh Pant named vice-captain for the five-Test series.Virat Kohli will continue to play one-day internationals for India. He retired from T20I cricket after winning the World Cup in 2024. Kohli ended his 18-year-long wait for an IPL trophy earlier this month when RCB defeated Punjab Kings in the final to win the elusive crown. You May Also Like
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