Virat Kohli's unexpected retirement from Test cricket continues to be a talking point in the cricketing world, with questions still being raised about his decision. The debate has been reignited following Joe Root's recent achievement of scoring his 41st Test century.
Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer and sharp analyst, has openly questioned Kohli's choice to step away from the longest format of the game. Manjrekar expressed his disappointment that Kohli, during his five-year struggle with form, "didn't quite put his heart and soul into finding out the problems as to why he was averaging 31 for five years in Tests". He contrasted this with Root's continued success and dedication to Test cricket.
Kohli, considered one of the greatest batsmen across all formats, holds the record for the most Test appearances as India's captain, leading in 68 matches and securing 40 wins. Only Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh have recorded more Test wins as captain. Kohli's captaincy, which began in 2014 after MS Dhoni's retirement from Tests, saw India rise to the number one Test team in the ICC Rankings for 42 consecutive months, from October 2016 to March 2020. His major achievements include India's first Test series win in Australia in 2018-19.
Despite these accomplishments, Kohli's form dipped between 2020 and 2022, leading to his resignation from T20I, ODI, and Test captaincy roles. He eventually retired from Test cricket in May 2025, having scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 29 Test centuries.
Manjrekar argued that it would have been understandable if Kohli had retired from all forms of cricket. However, Kohli's decision to continue playing ODIs, which Manjrekar considers the "easiest format" for a top-order batsman, while not addressing his struggles in Test cricket, is perplexing to him. He believes that Test cricket truly tests a player's mettle.
Kohli's retirement has clearly resonated with fans, with some expressing their disappointment. One such instance occurred at Mumbai airport, where a fan questioned Kohli's decision, stating they only watched Test cricket to see him play. Kohli responded politely, asking the fan to let it go.
While Kohli's legacy as a dynamic leader and influential figure in Indian cricket remains unquestioned, the debate surrounding his Test retirement highlights the high expectations and scrutiny that come with being a modern-day great. His contributions to the game are undeniable, but questions about his decision to step away from Test cricket may linger for some time.
