Virat Kohli’s unexpected decision to retire from Test cricket sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing world, eliciting heartfelt reactions from many, including Bollywood personalities like Javed Akhtar on May 12. Now, India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar has disclosed that Kohli had communicated his intention to step away from the longest format much earlier than he had made public.
Kohli's retirement post
Speaking at the announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming five-Test series in England, Agarkar addressed the recent retirements of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma, emphasising that Kohli’s choice was entirely his own, without any pressure or influence from selectors or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The news of Kohli’s retirement had been the subject of speculation, especially following Rohit Sharma’s exit from Test cricket, but the timing — just ahead of a major England tour — took many by surprise. “When players like that retire, there are always big holes to fill. Ashwin also retired. Those three have been stalwarts. Always difficult. One way of looking at it is as an opportunity for someone else. I had conversations with both of them,” Agarkar said.
Virat's early decision to leave Test Cricket
He further elaborated on Kohli’s mindset: “Virat reached out in early April. I have seen him give 200% every ball he plays, even when he's not batting or on the field. He felt he'd given everything he had; if he couldn't keep up to the standards, it was time for him. It has come from him. We have to respect that. They’ve earned that respect.”
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Anushka Sharma's reaction to Virat's retirement
After Virat announced his retirement from Test cricket, his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, shared a throwback picture with him from the March ground and wrote, “They’ll talk about the records and the milestones — but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game. I know how much all this took from you. After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler — and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege. Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire from international cricket in whites — but you’ve always followed your heart, and so I just want to say, my love, you’ve earned every bit of this goodbye ❤️.”
Anushka was also seen cheering for him during the IPL match with Sunrisers Hyderabad yesterday (May 23). Anushka and Virat are now reportedly planning to move to London with their children, Vamika and Akshay.
Kohli's retirement post
Speaking at the announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming five-Test series in England, Agarkar addressed the recent retirements of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma, emphasising that Kohli’s choice was entirely his own, without any pressure or influence from selectors or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The news of Kohli’s retirement had been the subject of speculation, especially following Rohit Sharma’s exit from Test cricket, but the timing — just ahead of a major England tour — took many by surprise. “When players like that retire, there are always big holes to fill. Ashwin also retired. Those three have been stalwarts. Always difficult. One way of looking at it is as an opportunity for someone else. I had conversations with both of them,” Agarkar said.
Virat's early decision to leave Test Cricket
He further elaborated on Kohli’s mindset: “Virat reached out in early April. I have seen him give 200% every ball he plays, even when he's not batting or on the field. He felt he'd given everything he had; if he couldn't keep up to the standards, it was time for him. It has come from him. We have to respect that. They’ve earned that respect.”
Video
Anushka Sharma's reaction to Virat's retirement
After Virat announced his retirement from Test cricket, his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, shared a throwback picture with him from the March ground and wrote, “They’ll talk about the records and the milestones — but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game. I know how much all this took from you. After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler — and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege. Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire from international cricket in whites — but you’ve always followed your heart, and so I just want to say, my love, you’ve earned every bit of this goodbye ❤️.”
Anushka was also seen cheering for him during the IPL match with Sunrisers Hyderabad yesterday (May 23). Anushka and Virat are now reportedly planning to move to London with their children, Vamika and Akshay.
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