Ravi Shastri on Virat Kohli's Test Retirement: "Mentally Fried and Overcooked

‘Mentally Fried’: Shastri Opens Up on Kohli’s Test Retirement Decision

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: May 16, 2025

Summary: Ravi Shastri, the former Indian coach, expressed surprise at Virat Kohli's surprising Test retirement, citing mental exhaustion as a major reason.

The sudden retirement of Virat Kohli from test cricket has shocked the sports world and fans. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who worked closely with Kohli throughout his stint, said the move caught him off guard.

"Virat surprised me because I thought he had at least two-three years of Test match cricket left in him," Shastri said. "But then, when you're mentally fried and overcooked, that's what tells your body. You might be physically the fittest guy in the business, but mentally you're well done."

Shastri commended Kohli for his major contributions to Indian cricket, highlighting his impressive record of 123 Test matches, 9,230 runs with an average of 46.85, and 30 centuries. He noted that Kohli's strong commitment and constant public attention might have affected him, leading to his choice to step back from Test cricket.

"He's got accolades around the globe. He has a bigger following than any other cricketer in the last decade," Shastri noted. "His intensity was such that it was like a rash. It spread very quickly, not just within the dressing room, but within living rooms as well for people watching cricket."

Kohli's retirement marks the 'End of an Era', creating a significant void in batting and leadership. The focus will shift to discovering new leaders to uphold the tradition as the team prepares for upcoming challenges, such as the series against England.