Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has stated that the Indian talismanic batter Virat Kohli should have continued playing the longest format of the game. Notably, Kohli retired from Tests on May 12, 2025, five days after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.
Kohli played 123 Tests and ended his career as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format, behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar. Speaking to PTI, Kapil reckoned that down the line in a few years, Kohli will definitely realise why he didn’t play Test cricket longer.
“I feel sorry that he retired from Test cricket. I don’t know why he did that. He knows the best, but as a spectator and a former cricketer, I feel he should have played it longer because he has that ability,” Kapil said while speaking to PTI.
“He should not have. As someone who likes his game and can assess it, he has this ability. I don’t know whether he is feeling bad today about stopping playing, but I think in a few years he will definitely realise why he didn’t play Test cricket longer. When you love the game, have passion for it, why retire when you can manage yourself. I can understand T20 can be totally different, but one-dayers and Test matches are his cup of tea,” he added.
It’s important to note that Kohli has already confirmed that he doesn’t want to reconsider playing Test cricket. On the other hand, Kapil also stated that he wouldn’t ask Kohli to reconsider his decision.
“No. He is 37 and like a grandfather in cricket. So it’s not correct for people like us to advise him. He knows what’s best for him. And that’s it. As an outsider, I feel he should have played. As to whether he should come out of retirement, people like us shouldn’t advise. That’s his call, not ours,” he concluded.
