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Updated 12 May 2025 at 13:29 IST

Virat Kohli Retires From Test Cricket at The Age of 36; Here's Why Ex-India Captain's Shock Call is Untimely

Virat Kohli Retires: Now that ex-India captain has decided to call it a day from Test cricket, the question is was his timing incorrect?

Reported by: Ankit Banerjee
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Virat Kohli Retires at the age of 36
Virat Kohli Retires at the age of 36 | Image: AP

Virat Kohli Retires: Fans are calling it ‘an end of an era’, but fans are shocked and gutted with Kohli's call to retire from Test cricket. Kohli, who is arguably the best batter to have represented the country, took to Instagram on Monday morning to share the news of his retirement with his fans. 

ALSO READ: '269, Signing Off': How World Reacted to Kohli's Untimely Retirement

While the move was expected, it was not expected to be so abrupt and untimely. So, why is there a sense that his retirement was abrupt and untimely? 

Kohli's Retirement at 36 is Untimely…

England Tour Beckons: Kohli is easily India's most experienced cricketer and hence his experience was needed in England where India will take them on in five Test matches which will be part of the new World Test Championship cycle. At the start of the new WTC, Kohli's presence and availability could have made all the difference. With Rohit Sharma also having retired recently, Kohli was even more needed to counter the tricky English conditions. Now, India will take on England with their two most experienced players no there. 

Kohli is Supremely Fit: If fitness is a parameter for a player to take a call on retirement, then Kohli should not have as he is arguably the fittest cricketer in the world. At 36, he can take on cricketers half his age and that is purely because of his fitness levels - then why retire? This is exactly that is disturbing the fans to see their hero call it a day prematurely. 

ALSO READ: 'Shame on You, BCCI': Indian Board Faces Heat While Thanking Virat Kohli

Kohli in Tests

In 123 Tests, Kohli amassed 9320 runs at an average of 46.85. This included 30 centuries and 31 fifties. Kohli fans reckon he could easily have played Test cricket for the next two years. 

Over the years, his aggressive style of play has inspired millions to take to the sport making him a true global ambassador. 

Published 12 May 2025 at 13:22 IST