In a rare public appearance since his shock retirement from Test cricket, Virat Kohli finally addressed the burning question. But with a signature dash of humour. Just like the Indian Test team, Kohli is also in London currently. However, he is no longer a Test player, bidding adieu to his most beloved format in a shocking manner a couple of months ago.
What did Virat Kohli say on his Test retirement?
Speaking at a charity gala hosted by Yuvraj Singh in London for the YouWeCan Foundation, the former India captain jokingly said, “I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it’s time when you are colouring your beard every four days.”
As per the Times of India, the star-studded evening brought together a who’s who of international cricket, with the entire Indian team and coaching staff, including Gautam Gambhir, in attendance. Cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen, Brian Lara, Chris Gayle and Ashish Nehra were also part of the celebration. Kohli was first spotted sharing a quiet moment with Pietersen before he was coaxed on stage by host Gaurav Kapoor.
During the candid discussion on stage alongside Yuvraj, Chris Gayle, Darren Gough, Kevin Pietersen, and Ravi Shastri, Kohli offered insight into his relationship with the former India head coach. Kohli credited Shastri for being a pivotal figure in his Test career.
“Honestly, if I wasn’t working with him… what happened in Test cricket wouldn’t have been possible. The clarity which we had together is very hard to find. It’s everything for cricketers to grow in their careers. Even he hadn’t backed me the way he did… those press conferences where he took the bullets from the front line. Things would have been different, and I always have respect and regard for him, for being a massive part of my cricketing journey,” said Kohli.
Kohli’s decision to walk away from Tests caught many off guard. With a Ranji Trophy appearance earlier this year and India’s high-profile tour of England, few expected the 36-year-old to call time just yet. While his farewell series in Australia had its ups and downs, Kohli’s red-ball legacy will always be remembered in high regard.
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