5 Reasons Behind Virat Kohli’s Early Retirement from Test Cricket: Focus on Youth, Strict Team Policies, and Missed Milestones

New Delhi, May 13, 2025 — Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli stunned the cricketing world on May 12 by announcing his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 36. The decision came as a surprise to many, especially since he was just 770 runs short of reaching 10,000 Test runs—a feat achieved by only three other Indian batsmen: Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.

Despite being India’s fourth-highest Test run scorer, Kohli chose to walk away from the format, prioritizing team goals and paving the way for younger players. Here are five major reasons that led to his early departure:

1. Dip in Form Since 2019

Kohli last scored a Test century in 2019—his 27th in the format. The following year, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the global cricket calendar, and Kohli struggled to regain his peak form. Between 2019 and 2024, he averaged just 31 in 39 Tests, scoring 2,028 runs with only 3 centuries. Prior to that, he had scored 7,202 runs at an average of 54.97.

Conditions became tougher post-pandemic, with more bowler-friendly pitches. Still, Kohli managed to maintain an average (32.09) that was better than most of the world’s top-7 batters during the same period (29.87). However, the slide in personal performance weighed heavily.

2. Gautam Gambhir’s Tough Coaching Regime

The appointment of Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach in August 2024 marked a cultural shift. Gambhir publicly stated his desire to end the “star culture” in Indian cricket and focus on team victories rather than individual records.

Under his leadership, the BCCI introduced new travel policies, limiting the duration families could accompany players on long tours. This drew criticism from several senior players, including Kohli and former captain Rohit Sharma. Following a poor home series loss to New Zealand and another away defeat in Australia, a wave of retirements followed—Ashwin, Rohit, and now Kohli.

3. Rohit Sharma’s Retirement Trigger

Kohli’s retirement came just five days after Rohit Sharma bid farewell to Test cricket on May 7. This mirrored the 2024 T20 World Cup finale when both players retired from T20Is after India’s victory. The timing suggests Rohit’s exit may have influenced Kohli’s decision to leave the longest format too.

4. Signs Were Clear in Australia Tour

During India’s 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Kohli showed early promise with a century in the first match. But he struggled in the next seven innings, repeatedly getting caught behind to deliveries outside off-stump. He finished the series with 190 runs, failing to score even a half-century after his initial hundred.

According to The Times of India, Kohli reportedly told teammates during the tour that he no longer saw himself making progress in the format. It was a clear signal that retirement was on the horizon.

5. Desire to Make Way for Young Talent

India’s five-Test series in England starting June 20 marks the beginning of the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Kohli has stated in past interviews that he would step away if he felt he was not adding value to the team.

Having led India to two WTC finals, Kohli may have felt it was time to let the next generation take over. His decision reflects a team-first mindset, aiming to give younger players a full cycle to grow and perform.

Missed Milestones and What Could Have Been

Kohli ended his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches. Had he scored just 770 more runs, he would have joined the elite 10,000-club in both Tests and ODIs—something only Tendulkar and Dravid have achieved for India.

He also missed the chance to become India’s leading run-scorer in England. With 1,096 runs in 17 Tests in English conditions, he fell short of Sachin Tendulkar’s 1,575. Kohli was also close to becoming India’s most successful Test captain in terms of wins—he led India to 62 victories, just 11 short of surpassing the national record.

Retiring Earlier Than His Peers

Among India’s top-5 Test run-scorers, Kohli is the youngest to retire. Tendulkar played until 40, scoring 9 centuries after turning 36. Dravid, Laxman, and Gavaskar also played until their late 30s. In contrast, Kohli chose to step away at 36.

Still, he joins a group of notable Indians who retired young—MS Dhoni at 33, Ravi Shastri at 31, and Suresh Raina at 34.

Legacy Beyond Records

While fans may debate his decision, Kohli’s legacy remains intact. A fierce competitor, he redefined Indian cricket with his aggressive mindset and fitness-first culture. His contribution goes beyond numbers, and his departure marks the end of an era.

As Team India gears up for the next WTC cycle, Kohli’s absence will be deeply felt—but his decision reflects the very leadership qualities that defined his career: courage, foresight, and putting the team first.