Virat Kohli Wants To Retire From Test Cricket: Here Are 10 Possible Reasons
Virat Kohli is reportedly set to retire from Test cricket ahead of India's 2025 tour of England, citing mental fatigue, poor form, and shifting priorities. After a disappointing series in Australia and already retiring from T20Is, Kohli appears ready to move on from red-ball cricket. Sources suggest he informed the BCCI of his decision, despite their appeal to reconsider. At 36, Kohli is likely focusing on preserving fitness for white-ball formats like the 2027 ODI World Cup. With rising stars taking over and emotional burnout mounting, the cricket legend may be choosing to exit Tests on his own terms. https://zeenews.india.com/photos/sports/virat-kohli-wants-to-retire-from-test-cricket-here-are-10-possible-reasons-in-pics-2898869 Updated:May 10, 2025, 09:29 AM IST 1. Poor Form in Australia Triggered Doubts
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Kohli endured a dismal 2024–25 Test series in Australia, scoring just 190 runs in five Tests. His technical flaws against swing bowling reignited retirement talks across cricket forums. 2. Mental Fatigue and Burnout After 14 Years
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After debuting in 2011, Kohli has played 123 Tests, shouldering the burden of captaincy, expectations, and relentless media glare—leading to signs of emotional exhaustion and mental fatigue. 3. Struggles Against Moving Ball Exposed
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Eight out of his ten dismissals in Australia came via edges to the slip cordon. Repeated technical errors hinted at waning reflexes and growing vulnerability in seam-friendly conditions. 4. Wants to 'Move On' From Red-Ball Cricket
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Sources close to the BCCI claim Kohli has 'made up his mind' to step away from the format and communicated his intention clearly, despite selectors requesting him to reconsider. 5. No Desire for Another Grueling England Tour
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Kohli had already hinted that the 2025 Australia tour might be his last overseas red-ball series. Facing England in tough swing conditions doesn't appear to excite the RCB star anymore. 6. Age and Priorities Shifting at 36
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With Kohli now 36, longevity in all formats is no longer practical. Like Rohit, he may be focusing on preserving form for the 2027 ODI World Cup, where he sees greater potential. 7. Selectors See Him as Stop-Gap Captain — But He Doesn't
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With Rohit gone, Kohli could have been a short-term Test captain. But reports suggest he's uninterested in such temporary roles and prefers to exit on his own terms. 8. Already Retired from T20Is After 2024 World Cup Win
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Kohli stepped away from T20Is after lifting the 2024 World Cup. His Test exit now appears to be part of a broader plan to transition out of international formats gracefully. 9. Lack of Motivation Amid Changing Team Dynamics
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With rising stars like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal taking center stage, Kohli might feel it's the right time to step aside and let the next generation lead India's red-ball future. 10. The Loneliness of Stardom Weighs Heavy
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In a rare podcast appearance, Kohli opened up about loneliness at the top, yearning for privacy and simpler times. The emotional toll of superstardom might be accelerating his decision.
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