Ravi Shastri has ignited a fresh debate surrounding Virat Kohli's sudden retirement from Test cricket, directly questioning the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and their handling of the situation. Shastri, the former India head coach who enjoyed a highly successful partnership with Kohli, expressed his disappointment and a belief that the BCCI could have managed the transition more effectively, emphasizing the need for better communication.
Kohli's announcement on May 12, 2025, that he was stepping down from Test cricket sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The 36-year-old's decision came ahead of India's Test series against England, leaving fans and pundits alike surprised and prompting speculation about the reasons behind it. While Kohli cited the pressures of captaincy and the need for mental peace as contributing factors in the past, Shastri's recent remarks have opened up a new angle to the narrative.
Shastri, speaking to Sony Sports, didn't hold back his feelings. "I feel sad that he's gone the way he has – suddenly," he stated. "I think it could have been handled better, maybe with more communication." Shastri's main contention appears to be the lack of a fitting farewell for a player of Kohli's stature and impact on Test cricket. He emphasized Kohli's role as an ambassador for the format, particularly his aggressive and passionate approach to the game, especially overseas.
Furthermore, Shastri revealed what he would have done differently. "If I had anything to do with it, I would've made him captain straight after Australia," he asserted, referring to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series earlier this year. This statement suggests that Shastri believes Kohli should have been given the opportunity to continue leading the Test side, implying that there may have been a disconnect between Kohli's ambitions and the BCCI's plans.
The former coach's comments indirectly hint that Kohli may have been interested in continuing as captain, but that the BCCI was not receptive to the idea. This is further fueled by reports that Kohli was supposedly promised the captaincy after a defeat during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Following Kohli's retirement and Rohit Sharma's subsequent exit from the Test format, Shubman Gill was appointed as captain.
Kohli's Test record speaks for itself. He played 123 Test matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. He also holds the record for the most Test wins as an Indian captain, with 40 victories in 68 matches. His contributions extend beyond statistics, with his passion and leadership inspiring a generation of cricketers and fans.
The BCCI has yet to officially respond to Shastri's criticism, but the remarks have undoubtedly added fuel to the fire. The debate over Kohli's retirement and the circumstances surrounding it are likely to continue, with many questioning whether the BCCI could have done more to ensure a more fitting and respectful send-off for one of India's greatest Test cricketers. Several fans have labeled the BCCI's actions as "unfair" and "disrespectful," arguing that the legendary players deserved a more fitting send-off.
