Virat Kohli's Sudden Test Retirement Sparks Speculation of External Pressure

Virat Kohli’s Shock Test Retirement Fuels Speculation of External Pressure

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: May 13, 2025

Summary: The selector Sarandeep Singh revealed some information about Virat Kohli's plans for the England Tour, and now questions have been raised about his abrupt retirement from Test cricket.

Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, which shocked the cricket world. The decision was especially shocking given that Kohli had made no prior signs of abandoning the longest format of the game.

Former Team India selector and Delhi Ranji team coach Sarandeep Singh disclosed that Kohli had no plans to retire and was actively preparing for the upcoming Test series in England. Singh said, Kohli had every intention to get "three or four hundreds" during the England tour and was considering playing for India ‘A' to prepare for the series, which begins on June 20.

Singh recounted a conversation with Kohli during the Ranji Trophy season, where Kohli emphasized his commitment to Test cricket and his desire to contribute significantly in England. "He had a settled plan. Suddenly, seeing him end his red-ball career is surprising. He doesn't have any fitness issues, no form issues," Singh remarked.

The abrupt manner of Kohli's retirement, particularly in light of Rohit Sharma's departure from Test cricket, has fuelled conjecture that external forces influenced his choice. While the specific reasons are unknown, Singh's remarks indicate that Kohli's withdrawal from Test cricket may not have been fully voluntary.

Kohli concludes his illustrious Test career with 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and an average of 46.85 over 123 matches. His leadership and passion for the game have left an everlasting stamp on Indian cricket, and his unexpected retirement is the end of an era.

The cricketing community and fans alike are left confused by the reasons behind this surprise decision as they bid farewell to one of the game's current greats in the Test arena.