On May 12, 2025, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli stunned the cricket world by announcing his retirement from Test cricket. Kohli, who scored 9,230 runs in 123 Tests in an illustrious career spanning 14 years, wrote on Instagram, "It's not easy, but it feels right." But what were the reasons behind this sudden decision? Bad form, mental pressure, BCCI's role, or any impact of the recent India-Pakistan tension? In this article we analyze the inside story of Kohli's retirement.
Bad form: Statistics and criticism
Kohli's recent Test performances have not lived up to his reputation. In the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he scored 190 runs in five Tests against Australia, including a century (100*) in Perth, but only 85 runs came in the remaining four matches, averaging 23.75. He could only manage 93 runs (average 15.50) in the home series against New Zealand as well, after which India lost a home Test series for the first time in 12 years.
Kohli's weakness of getting out repeatedly to balls outside the off-stump was exposed. Former South African cricketer Darryl Cullinan described his open stance as a technical flaw. Only three centuries and an average of 30.72 in 39 Tests since 2020 have led to criticism for Kohli. His career-best average of 55.10 (after 254* against South Africa in 2019) has dropped to 32.56 in the last 24 months.
Mental pressure and introspection
Kohli recently spoke openly about mental pressure. At a Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) event in March 2025, he said, "By absorbing the disappointment from outside, you put a burden on yourself. I experienced this in Australia. I thought I have two-three days left, I have to make an impact now. This made me more frustrated."
"It is important to stay in touch with yourself. This answer is not easy," Kohli said, referring to the discussion on retirement with Rahul Dravid. According to sources, he was considering his Test future since the Australia tour. Physical and mental fatigue at the age of 36, especially the long duration and pressure of Test cricket, could be a big reason for his decision.
BCCI's role: Pressure or suggestion?
On May 10, 2025, it was reported that Kohli had expressed his desire to retire from Tests to the BCCI. However, a senior BCCI official asked him to reconsider the decision for the England tour (starting June 20). But a Dainik Jagran report claimed that the BCCI had made it clear to Kohli that he was not fit for the Test team due to his poor form. The same message was conveyed to Rohit Sharma on May 7, following which he retired.
With the exclusion of senior players like Rohit, Ravichandran Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane, Kohli was under pressure to play the role of a veteran batsman. But the BCCI and coach Gautam Gambhir's strategy to focus on young players for the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle may have influenced Kohli's decision.
Influence of India-Pakistan tensions?
The recent India-Pakistan tensions, especially the Pahalgam terror attack (22 April 2025) and India's "Operation Sindoor" (7 May 2025), created a tense atmosphere in the country. Uncertainty persisted even after the ceasefire was announced on May 10. Some X posts claimed that Kohli's retirement may have been influenced by the national security situation, but this claim is not verified. Kohli did not mention any such external pressure in his statement, and his decision appears to be based on personal and professional reasons.
Other factors: Focus on ODIs and future plans
Kohli retired from T20Is in 2024 and now plans to quit Tests and focus on ODIs. He wants to fulfill his dream of winning the 2027 ODI World Cup, especially after losing the final in 2023. His excellent form in the 2025 Champions Trophy and good performance in IPL 2025 are positive signs for his ODI career.
According to sources, Kohli is planning to spend time in England with wife Anushka Sharma after retirement. This could also be one of the reasons why he decided to retire before the England tour.
Kohli's legacy
Kohli captained India in 68 Tests, winning 40, the most by any Indian captain. His biggest achievement was India's first Test series win in Australia in 2018-19. His 30 centuries and 7 double centuries (Indian record) reflect his batting mastery. Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X, “Your true legacy lies in inspiring young cricketers.”
Conclusion
Virat Kohli's Test retirement appears to be a result of poor form, mental pressure, and BCCI's new strategy. The impact of India-Pakistan tensions is probable but unverified. Kohli's focus is now on ODIs and future plans, but his Test legacy will always shine in Indian cricket.
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