'There was no regret...', Kohli conversation with Ravi Shastri, reason for retirement revealed
Virat Kohli Retirement: Ravi Shastri told that he thought that Virat could have played cricket for 2-3 more years. But he also admitted that Kohli was mentally tired and his body was also not supporting him now. This was the reason why he took this big decision.
Former captain and legendary batsman Virat Kohli surprised everyone by suddenly retiring from Test cricket. Now, the inexperience in the team is evident with Kohli's absence. Even prior to this, spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and captain Rohit Sharma have also bid farewell to Test cricket. Under these circumstances, Kohli's exit is seen as a major blow for Team India. Everyone had the same thing in their minds that why did Virat make such a decision in a sudden way. Now, former India coach Ravi Shastri has made a major revelation on this.
Ravi Shastri explained that he was also shocked with Virat's decision. He believed that Virat had 2-3 years of cricket left in him. But he also acknowledged that Kohli was mentally exhausted and his body was not coming along with him any longer. That's why he made this significant decision.
Shastri said, "I talked to Virat about this a week ago. He was very clear that he has given everything for the Indian team and now he has no regrets. I asked some personal questions, and he clearly told me that now there is no doubt left in his mind. Then I also felt that now is the right time." Shastri further said, "Even though he was physically fitter than many players in the team, but when the mind gets tired, it also starts signaling to the body that now it is enough."
Praising Virat, Shastri said, "He has received respect from all over the world. In the last 10 years, his fan base has been bigger than any other player. Be it Australia or South Africa, he forced people to watch cricket. People loved his playing style and celebration style. His enthusiasm and energy spread from the dressing room to the TV viewers. Virat is a very impressive and passionate player."
Virat Kohli played 123 Test matches for India, in which he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 and scored 30 centuries. He captained 68 Test matches, out of which India won 40 matches, which is the highest number of wins by any Indian captain.
Shastri said, "Virat used to give his 100% in whatever he did. This is not everyone's cup of tea. Many players do their job on the field and then calm down, but Virat used to stay on the field as if he had to take all the wickets, catch every catch and take every decision himself. His passion and dedication was an inspiration for the team."
