Virat Kohli shocked everyone on 12 May by retiring from Test cricket. He was going to play India’s five -match Test series on the England tour starting on 20 June. However, 36 -year -old Kohli decided that now the right time has come for him to separate from this format, which he loves the most. In recent times, performance in Test cricket was challenging for Kohli. Since 2024, the former captain of India scored just 440 runs in 11 Tests, his average of 23.16. During this time, only one half -century and a century came out of his bat. However, fans hoped that he would re-achieve his form in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027 cycle.
Greg Chappell told Kohli’s mental state
Former India coach Greg Chappell believes that Kohli’s decision was lacking in his mental clarity. Chappell said that this legendary batsman had to accept that now his body and mind are not in the same synergy. Chappell said, “This decision was not due to lack of his sportsmanship, but from the realization that he is no longer able to gather mental clarity as before, which made him such a great batsman.” He admitted that the body also responds to the highest level until the mind is fast and clear.
Also read: IPL is over … Now when will Virat Kohli look on the field? Note the schedule
Greg Chappell said that when doubt goes home in the body, this decision affects the ability, spoils the footwork and eliminates the spontaneity that makes a player world class. Kohli’s renunciation reminds us that the form is not directly related to technology, but with the mind.
Kohli, who had already said goodbye to T20 international cricket before Test cricket, will continue to play in ODI cricket for India. The Delhi batsman set a great record in Test cricket, scored 9230 runs in 123 Tests, his average was 46.85. He scored 30 centuries and 31 half -centuries during this period.
In his absence, India will have to find a possible option for the location of number 4 in the longest format of Test cricket. Karun Nair, who scored a brilliant double century in the four -day match played between India A and England Lions recently, may be at the forefront of this race. Apart from this, India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill, who has batted at number 3 in recent times, can also land at number 4.