New Delhi, May 12 — Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marks a significant moment for the game, signaling the end of an era defined by his relentless passion and unmatched commitment to the longest format. While his departure is a blow to the format he helped sustain, Kohli’s decision did not come as a complete surprise, especially after recent insights into his mindset.
The Weight of Constant Scrutiny
In a candid episode of the ‘RCB Bold Diaries’ podcast last week, Kohli offered a rare glimpse into the mental toll of leadership and public expectations. "At one point, it did become tough for me because there was just too much happening in my career," he said, reflecting on nearly a decade of captaining India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). "There were expectations on me from a batting perspective every game that I played. I was exposed to it 24x7. It did get very tough on me, and it did get too much in the end."The unrelenting scrutiny, he explained, made him crave a life where he could simply play cricket without being constantly judged or burdened by expectations.
Choosing Peace Over Pressure
Kohli’s clarity was also evident in his retirement statement. He declared that he was stepping away with no regrets and only a smile on his face. Despite maintaining peak fitness and form, which is particularly evident in his current IPL season, he chose to walk away on his own terms."I stepped down because I felt like if I'd decided I wanted to be in this place, I needed to be happy," he said. "I need to have a space in my life where I can just come and play my cricket without being looked at as what are you going to do this season and what's going to happen now."
In 2022, Kohli had taken a month-long break, followed by a quiet move to the UK, both steps aimed at distancing himself from the constant spotlight.
Legacy in Test Cricket and the Road Ahead
Kohli's contribution to Test cricket is immeasurable. Not only did he redefine India's approach to the format, but he also became its biggest ambassador. Even in domestic cricket, his presence drew crowds in numbers rarely seen, as witnessed during a Ranji Trophy match earlier this year, where over 15,000 fans turned up to watch his brief 15-ball innings.However, Kohli’s true mastery has often been linked with ODIs. With the next World Cup still a couple of years away, the cricketing world hopes he will continue to grace the 50-over format.
When Is a Player "Done"?
In the podcast, Kohli philosophized about the moment a cricketer truly feels finished. “When you stop feeling that nervousness or that anticipation of how things are going to unfold is when people say that you're done,” he said, underlining how emotional cues rather than milestones dictate retirement.He also emphasized the importance of mindset over experience. “It doesn't matter whether I've played 130 Test matches or 300 ODIs. If you've played two and your mindset is better than mine on the day, you will perform better than I on the day.”
A Farewell with Dignity
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Tests is a personal choice rooted in self-awareness and mental clarity. As he bids farewell to a format he once carried on his shoulders, the cricketing world now looks forward to what he brings to ODIs and possibly one last World Cup campaign.His journey continues, but with a refreshed sense of purpose and peace.