Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott has suggested that the heavy workload of international cricket may have contributed to Virat Kohli's fatigue and eventual retirement from Test cricket. Boycott expressed these views in light of Kohli's recent decision to retire from the longest format of the game, just ahead of India's tour of England in June 2025.

Boycott noted that the relentless schedule of international cricket, with "so little rest," can take a toll on players, leading to mental fatigue. He emphasized that even the most talented and experienced players can struggle if they are not mentally fresh and "up for the challenge," ultimately finding the experience "draining".

Kohli's workload has indeed been significant over the years. As of August 2022, it was noted that since his debut, no one had played more international cricket than Kohli. Between January 2011 and December 2021, he participated in 405 games across all formats, a staggering 83 more than Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka, who was second on the list. This demanding schedule, combined with the pressures of captaincy and maintaining peak performance, can undoubtedly lead to both physical and mental exhaustion.

Kohli himself has been open about the mental challenges he has faced. In 2022, he admitted that a recent run drought had impacted his well-being and that he had been "faking intensity" to appear as though everything was fine. He acknowledged that it's normal to feel mentally down but that there's a hesitation to speak about it due to the fear of being perceived as weak. Kohli emphasized that "faking to be strong is far worse than admitting to being weak." He also spoke about the importance of managing workload to stay mentally fresh.

Several factors contribute to the mental fatigue experienced by modern cricketers. The constant travel, pressure to perform, scrutiny from the media and fans, and time spent away from family can all take a toll. Kohli, in particular, has been under immense pressure, given his high profile and the expectations placed upon him as one of the world's best batsmen and a former captain.

Recognizing these challenges, Kohli has taken breaks from cricket to manage his workload and mental health. In 2022, he took a month-long break, during which he didn't touch his bat for 30 days, a rarity in his career. He realized he was "trying to fake my intensity a bit recently" and that his "body was telling [him] to stop."

In the past, Kohli has also spoken about the importance of workload management, not just for himself but for all players. He noted that players need to manage their workloads to stay mentally fresh. He has also acknowledged that periodic breaks have worked well for him, particularly given the intensity required to captain and perform consistently across all formats.

Greg Chappell suggested that Kohli's Test retirement was driven by a lack of mental clarity, rather than a decline in form. Chappell felt that Kohli recognized he could no longer summon the mental sharpness that had been a hallmark of his game. Ravi Shastri, India's former head coach, echoed this sentiment, revealing that Kohli had spoken to him about having "given everything he had" and that his "mind had told his body that it was time."

While Kohli's retirement from Test cricket may come as a surprise to some, it highlights the growing awareness of the mental and physical toll that modern cricket can take on players. His openness about his own struggles has helped to break down stigmas surrounding mental health in sports and has encouraged other athletes to speak out and prioritize their well-being. The importance of workload management, mental health support, and open communication are now being recognized as crucial aspects of ensuring the long-term health and success of cricketers.