Virat Kohli Firm On Retirement For A While, Wanted More Time With Family — Behind-The-Scenes Details

Virat Kohli’s Test retirement was reportedly a well-thought-out decision taken weeks before the official announcement.

Kohli’s exit came just days before the Indian squad for the England tour was to be announced.

Source : PTI

Virat Kohli sent shockwaves through the entire cricketing world when he decided to hang up his boots from the longest format of the game. Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 13 (Monday) via an emotional social media post. Notably, Kohli’s exit came just days before the Indian squad for the England tour was to be announced. However, a fresh report suggests that Kohli had already decided to retire from Test cricket in April and had informed the BCCI of his decision.

According to a report by The Indian Express, Virat Kohli was unhappy with the BCCI’s restrictions on players’ families traveling during tours — a move that reportedly didn’t sit well with the cricketer. Kohli is said to have communicated his desire to spend more time with his family to chief selector Ajit Agarkar. At the time, he was advised to reconsider and avoid making a 'hasty' decision.

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On May 7, Virat Kohli once again contacted top BCCI officials, expressing his intent to announce his retirement on social media. However, he was urged to hold off for a few more days, as Operation Sindoor and the ongoing military tensions with Pakistan were at a critical stage.

Nevertheless, after the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, Kohli remained firm in his decision and opted to retire, convinced it was the right choice for him.

Notably, Kohli had missed India’s home Test series against England last year due to the birth of his second child. Prior to the South Africa tour in December 2023, he flew to England for a medical emergency. In fact, whenever he had some time off, Kohli would travel to England to be with his family.