Virat Kohli’s Sudden Test Retirement: Lack of BCCI Support May Have Prompted Decision, Says Mohammad Kaif

In a move that has left the cricketing world stunned, Virat Kohli announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket via Instagram on Monday. The legendary Indian batter, who ends his red-ball career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 48.65, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, has reportedly made this decision after failing to receive the expected backing from the BCCI and the national selectors.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Kohli did not initially plan to hang up his boots from the longest format, and that internal dynamics may have accelerated his decision.

Kaif’s Insight into Kohli’s Shock Exit

Kaif, speaking to IANS, suggested that Kohli’s retirement may have stemmed from behind-the-scenes discussions that questioned his place in the side.

“I think he wanted to continue in the format. There must have been some internal talks with the BCCI, the selectors may have cited his form in the past 5-6 years, and told him his spot in the team may no longer be there,” Kaif said.

Kohli’s Test retirement comes just five days after Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced his own red-ball retirement, adding further intrigue to the timing of the decision.

Kaif emphasized that Kohli’s recent appearance in the Ranji Trophy hinted at his willingness to make a comeback to the Test squad. But the sudden retirement indicates something shifted internally, possibly a lack of faith or support from the management.

“Given the last-minute decision, having played the Ranji Trophy, I definitely think he wanted to come back in the upcoming Tests. The developments in the last few weeks, he may not have gotten the support he thought he would get from BCCI and selectors,” Kaif added.

A Struggle with Form in Recent Years

While Kohli remains one of India’s greatest Test batters, his form in the last half-decade has been inconsistent. His struggles were apparent during the series against New Zealand at home, where he managed only 90-odd runs in three Tests. His performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 against Australia also underwhelmed – 190 runs in five Tests, though it included a fighting century in Perth.

Kaif noted that Kohli appeared to be in a hurry to score runs during that series, a departure from his usual grinding, patient style of play.

“In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he looked in a hurry to score runs. Test cricket demands immense patience, which he had shown in abundance in his prime. But in Australia, his repeated dismissals while attempting to drive balls moving away raised red flags.”

“Maybe he was thinking, ‘I am in the last phase of my career, what’s the point of scoring a gritty century?’ Earlier, he used to tire the bowlers, play long innings, and dominate later. I did not see that same approach in Australia,” Kaif explained.

He also highlighted Kohli’s repeated dismissals in the slip cordon as a technical and perhaps mental shift, which hinted that the 36-year-old may not have been fully invested in the grind of Test cricket anymore.

“That one method of dismissal at the slips perhaps shows that he was not ready to spend hours at the crease. The communication from BCCI and the self-realization in red-ball cricket may have led to the decision,” Kaif said.

Rohit’s Retirement Expected, Kohli’s Not

Kaif admitted that while he saw Rohit Sharma’s retirement coming – especially after the Indian captain made himself unavailable for the Sydney Test earlier this year – Kohli’s exit from the format came as a surprise.

“On the other hand, Virat’s decision left me confused. Yes, in his Test career, his numbers have come down in the past few years, but a 36-year-old fit Virat Kohli could have come back like he has proved before.”

He also reminded fans and critics that Test cricket was always close to Kohli’s heart, making this decision even more unexpected.

“He used to always say it is his favourite format. In interviews, he praised Test cricket as the ultimate challenge. He inspired youngsters to respect and aspire to wear the whites. He led from the front and made the Indian team a dominant force overseas.”

“It felt like he would play for a few more years and mentor the next generation of Test players. His decision seems very private and deeply personal,” Kaif concluded.

The End of an Era

Virat Kohli’s retirement from Tests marks the end of a glorious chapter in Indian cricket. Under his leadership and batting brilliance, India scaled new heights – including a historic series win in Australia and consistent performances in tough overseas tours.

He finishes with:

• Matches: 123
• Runs: 9,230
• Average: 48.65
• Centuries: 30
• Fifties: 31
• Highest Score: 254*

Kohli’s departure, coupled with Rohit Sharma’s exit, signals a new dawn for India’s red-ball setup. However, the abruptness of his announcement, coupled with speculation about the BCCI’s support, has triggered a deeper conversation about how cricketing legends are treated in the final stages of their careers.

Whether Kohli was edged out or whether it was a personal call born from introspection, the game will miss his fire, his passion, and his unmatched intensity in whites.