“Records Didn’t Matter To Him”: 1983 World Cup Winner Reflects On Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement

In a surprising decision, Virat Kohli announced his Test Cricket retirement on May 12, 2025, drawing everyone from the cricket. Among them, the former goalkeeper of India, Syed Kirmani, thinks that Kohli’s decision came from the inside, without external pressure. Kirmani believes that the constant charge of international cricket may have pushed the star striker to move away. The winner of the 1983 World Cup also said that Kohli had even more to contribute to the format but had chosen to go on his own conditions.

Virat Kohli ended his red ball trip as a higher fourth of India Run-Scorer in the test cricket, behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar. Known for its passion, intensity and physical form, Kohli has redefined test cricket for the modern era, both as a player and as a captain.

Reacting to the news, Syed Kirmani praised Kohli’s self -awareness, saying: “I don’t think it is after the files. It could be excess cricket that led to that.

Kirmani added that questions of form and performance were not relevant in the context by insisting that the choice was clearly personal.

The last appearance of Kohli à Balle Rouge was for Delhi in the Ranji trophy earlier this year, which made this announcement even more unexpected. Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh also expressed his surprise, declaring that Kohli had shown a clear intention to continue playing at the highest level.

The last appearance of Kohli à Balle Rouge was for Delhi in the Ranji trophy earlier this year, which made this announcement even more unexpected. Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh also expressed his surprise, declaring that Kohli had shown a clear intention to continue playing at the highest level.

An initiative led by fans calls for spectators to wear white test jerseys with the name of Kohli and number 18 in tribute to his emblematic test career.

In terms of leadership, the veteran spinner R Ashwin supported Jasprit Bumrah as a potential candidate to direct India in the format of the red ball in the future. While the Kohli test chapter has officially closed its doors, its inheritance as one of the greatest test players in India will continue to inspire the generations to come.