Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket continues to spark discussions within the cricketing fraternity, with several former players sharing their perspectives on the decision taken by one of India’s greatest red-ball batters. The latest to weigh in is World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev, who offered a candid assessment of Kohli’s retirement while also reflecting on the qualities that made the batting icon such a formidable competitor.
Kohli brought the curtains down on his illustrious Test career in May 2025, ending a remarkable 14-year journey that saw him score 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries. Widely regarded as India’s most successful Test captain, Kohli finished with 40 victories in 68 Tests as skipper before shifting his focus entirely to ODI cricket.
Kapil Dev opens up on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement
Speaking to Sports Tak, Kapil admitted that he was disappointed by Kohli’s decision to retire from the longest format and felt the former India captain still had enough left in the tank to continue representing the country. The legendary all-rounder explained that even if Kohli had found himself out of the Indian side temporarily, he should have remained patient and earned his way back through performances, just as several greats had done in the past.
“I wasn’t happy when he retired from Test cricket. It’s not about 10,000 runs or any milestone. I felt that if he had stayed away from reacting in anger for six months, there was every chance he would have played for India again. If the selectors didn’t pick him, it’s okay. If the captain didn’t pick him, it’s okay. Go back, work hard, score runs in domestic cricket or wherever you play. He would have come back because he still has the ability of a Test match player,” Kapil said.
Kapil also pointed out that Kohli’s decision was difficult for him to accept because he believed the veteran batter still possessed the skill and temperament required to succeed in Test cricket.
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Kapil compares Kohli’s competitive nature with John McEnroe
Apart from discussing Kohli’s retirement, Kapil also reflected on the former India captain’s fiery on-field personality. He compared Kohli’s aggressive mindset to that of legendary tennis star John McEnroe, saying certain athletes perform at their best when driven by emotion and confrontation.
“He had that ability, though sometimes he got a little too enthusiastic. Looking at Virat, I remember John McEnroe. Until he fought, he couldn’t produce his best performance,” Kapil remarked.
The 1983 World Cup-winning captain contrasted Kohli’s approach with the calmer demeanour of Indian greats such as Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, while also mentioning former Pakistan batter Javed Miandad as another player who thrived on aggression.
Kapil acknowledged that Kohli’s intensity occasionally appeared excessive from the outside but suggested it may have been an important factor behind his remarkable success over the years. Although Kohli has retired from both Test cricket and T20 Internationals, he continues to represent India in ODIs and is expected to remain a key member of the side as they build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
