Virat Kohli, the famous Indian batsman, has finally spoken out about his decision to retire from Test cricket, two months after he gave notice. When former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh hosted a charity banquet for the YouWeCan Foundation in London on July 8, 2025, Virat Kohli gave an explanation for his decision to leave the game’s longest format.
Sachin Tendulkar, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, and Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian squad, were among the legends who attended the event in London. Kohli, who has been largely hidden from the public since announcing his Test retirement on May 12, was also there. Originally sitting among the guests, emcee Gaurav Kapur invited him to join a panel that included Yuvraj Singh, Ravi Shastri, and other guests on stage. When asked why he decided to retire, Kohli gave his response. He also spoke about Shastri’s contribution to his improvement as a Test cricket player.
Two days ago, I coloured my beard. When your beard is getting coloured every four days, you know it’s time. The events in Test cricket would not have occurred if I hadn’t been collaborating with him, to be honest. Finding the clarity we shared is really difficult. For cricket players to advance in their careers, it is crucial. Even he hadn’t supported me to the extent that he did—those news appearances in which he took the hits from the front. Had he not played such a significant role in my cricket career, things would have turned out differently, and I will always appreciate and admire him,” says Virat Kohli.
On May 12, 2025, Virat Kohli made a formal Instagram post announcing his retirement from Test cricket. In 123 Test matches, the batting virtuoso amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 hundreds and seven double tons—the most by an Indian. India won their first Test series in Australia in 2018–19, among other historic victories, while he was captain.
In the same exchange, Virat Kohli thought back on his initial encounter with Yuvraj Singh. He discussed Yuvraj’s fight with cancer during the same time period as India’s 2011 World Cup victory.
“We had a strong relationship off the pitch as well. He and I initially crossed paths at a North Zone competition in Bangalore. I was mentored by him, Bhajju Pa, and Zaheer Khan when I first began playing for India. truly aided in my development as a player and helped me feel at ease in the locker room. Many enjoyable moments off the pitch and introduced me to the lifestyle of success.
These are the relationships I will always treasure. The information we learnt after seeing him play in the World Cup was unexpected. We were so close to him that we were unaware. Then his fight with cancer, and once more, the champion he is… winning and returning to the squad while I was in charge.
I very vividly recall our match versus England in Cuttack. In a 2017 series we played at home, the top order was removed early, and I believe Yuvi Pa scored 150 and MS scored 110. I distinctly recall telling KL or someone that viewing on a large television made me think of my early years. He is very much loved and respected by me. I will just do it for him, and it’s a joy to be here,” Virat Kohli continued.
India
