Virat Kohli’s recent announcement to retire from Test cricket has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. For a player who has been the backbone of Indian cricket for over a decade, this decision feels premature and leaves fans and experts alike wondering: why should Kohli have stayed on?
As India prepares for a crucial five-Test series in England, the absence of their most seasoned warrior is a blow that could impact the team’s performance and morale deeply.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket is not just a personal decision but a significant moment for Indian cricket — one that might have been better delayed. From his leadership qualities to his fitness and form, here’s why Kohli remains indispensable in the longest format of the game.
Table of Contents
The Heart of Indian Test Cricket: Kohli’s Leadership and Experience
India is currently navigating a challenging transition phase in Test cricket. With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin stepping away, and veterans Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane no longer in the picture, the team is searching for stability. Emerging talents like Shubman Gill are promising but still need guidance.
This is where Kohli’s presence would have been invaluable. Beyond his batting prowess, Kohli has been a natural leader — a player who leads by example both on and off the field. His ability to anchor the innings and inspire young players is unmatched.
In tough overseas conditions, especially in England, having a leader with Kohli’s experience is crucial to steady the ship and build resilience.
Kohli’s leadership was not just about tactics; it was about setting a tone of aggression, fitness, and mental toughness. His passion for the game and his refusal to back down under pressure inspired a generation of cricketers.
The dressing room presence of a player like Kohli is irreplaceable, especially when the team is in flux. His retirement leaves a void that will be difficult to fill immediately.
Kohli’s Record in England: A Testament to His Class
Critics often point to Kohli’s recent dip in Test averages, but numbers don’t tell the full story. When it comes to playing in England, Kohli is among the best Indian batsmen ever. With 1,096 runs in 17 Test matches on English soil, he ranks fourth behind legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
His 2018 series in England was a masterclass in grit and determination, scoring a monumental 593 runs. Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure in challenging conditions sets him apart.
He is also second only to Rahul Dravid in total international runs scored in England across all formats, with 2,637 runs — a remarkable feat that underscores his adaptability and skill.
Playing in England is notoriously difficult for batsmen due to the swinging ball and seaming pitches. Kohli’s success there is a testament to his technique, temperament, and hunger. His performances have often come when the team needed them the most, proving his mettle as a match-winner.
Fitness and Form: Kohli Is Still at His Peak
At 36, Kohli is arguably the fittest cricketer in the Indian team and one of the fittest globally. His athleticism, sharp reflexes, and agility remain unmatched. Unlike some peers who have faced fitness criticisms, Kohli’s discipline and professionalism set the gold standard for aspiring cricketers.
His recent IPL 2025 performance is a testament to his enduring class. Scoring 505 runs in 11 innings at an average of 63.12 and a strike rate of 143.46, Kohli has shown no signs of decline. His seven half-centuries are the most in the tournament so far, proving that he still has the hunger and skill to dominate bowlers.
Fitness is a crucial factor in Test cricket, where players endure long hours on the field and need to maintain concentration and physical stamina. Kohli’s fitness allows him to run hard between the wickets, field energetically, and maintain focus for extended periods — qualities that are vital in the grueling Test format.
The Unfinished Business: Records and Legacy
Kohli’s retirement leaves several milestones tantalizingly close but unachieved. He is just about 900 runs shy of surpassing Sunil Gavaskar to become India’s third-highest Test run-scorer. He also needs fewer than 800 runs to cross the prestigious 10,000-run mark in Test cricket — a milestone that cements a batsman’s place among the all-time greats.
Moreover, Kohli is just one century away from reaching 31 Test hundreds, a rare achievement that only a handful of cricketers have managed. These unfinished chapters in his illustrious career suggest that his story in Test cricket still had more to offer.
Beyond personal milestones, Kohli’s presence in the team has a psychological impact. His hunger for runs and competitive spirit often lifted the entire team’s performance. Losing such a player at a time when India is rebuilding could slow down the momentum and confidence of the squad.
The Bigger Picture: What India Loses Without Kohli
India’s upcoming England tour is one of the toughest challenges in recent years. The team will now face it without the man who instilled belief that India could win overseas consistently. Kohli’s aggressive mindset, hunger for runs, and leadership qualities were the driving forces behind India’s rise as a formidable Test side abroad.
His retirement leaves a leadership vacuum and a gap in experience that will be hard to fill immediately. While the future looks bright with young talents, the transition phase demands seasoned players who can mentor and guide the next generation through the pressures of international cricket.
The absence of Kohli also means India loses a player who can single-handedly change the course of a match. His ability to build innings, accelerate when needed, and lead from the front is unmatched. The team will need to find new leaders and match-winners, which is never an easy task.
Conclusion: Why Kohli’s Test Retirement Feels Premature
Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket is a significant moment in Indian cricket history, but perhaps not the right time. His fitness, form, and leadership remain assets that India desperately needs, especially during this transitional phase and the challenging England tour ahead.
Kohli’s legacy is already cemented as one of the greatest cricketers India has ever produced. Yet, the numbers and his recent performances suggest that he still had more to give in Test cricket. For the sake of Indian cricket’s stability and success, Kohli’s presence in the Test arena would have been invaluable.
As fans, we can only hope that this chapter isn’t the final one and that Kohli’s passion for Test cricket might one day bring him back to the format he once ruled with unmatched intensity.
FAQ:-
Why did Virat Kohli leave Test cricket?
Kohli was a standout performer for the side that won all of its match before losing to Australia in the summit clash. As a result, it is possible that Kohli deemed it right to let go of the Test career and put his complete concentration to keeping himself fit and in form for the next ODI World Cup campaign.
Who will be the next captain of Test cricket?
Shubman Gill has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma as the full-time Test captain starting with India’s Test tour of England, a five-Test series starting on June 20 at Headingley.
