Virat Kohli’s As discussions continue in the cricket world over his retirement from Test cricket, many former players are sharing their views on the decision taken by one of India’s greatest batsmen. The World Cup winning captain is being discussed the most. Kapil DevWho gave a candid assessment of Kohli’s retirement, while also reflecting on the qualities that made the batting icon such a formidable competitor.
Kohli brought down the curtain on his illustrious Test career in May 2025, ending a remarkable 14-year journey in which he scored 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries. Widely regarded as India’s most successful Test captain, Kohli achieved 40 wins in 68 Test matches as captain before turning his attention solely to ODI cricket.
Kapil Dev spoke openly on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement
Speaking to Sports Tak, Kapil admitted that he was disappointed with Kohli’s decision to retire from the longest format and felt that the former India captain still had enough potential left in him to continue representing the country. The great all-rounder pointed out that even though Kohli may have found himself temporarily out of the Indian team, he should have been patient and bounced back through performances, as many great players have done in the past.
“I was not 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 angrily for six months, there was every possibility that he would have played for India again. If the selectors didn’t pick him, then it’s okay. If the captain didn’t pick him, then 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 it in him.” Also has the ability to be a test match player. Kapil said.
Kapil also revealed that it was difficult for him to accept Kohli’s decision as he believed that the experienced batsman still had the required skills and temperament to succeed in Test cricket.
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Kapil compared Kohli’s competitive nature to John McEnroe
Apart from discussing Kohli’s retirement, Kapil also reflected on the former Indian captain’s aggressive personality on the field. He compared Kohli’s aggressive mentality to that of the legendary tennis star. John McEnroeHaving said that, some athletes perform at their best when driven by emotion and confrontation.
“He had that ability, although sometimes he got a little overzealous. Watching Virat reminds me of John McEnroe. Unless he struggled, he couldn’t perform at his best.” Kapil commented.
The 1983 World Cup-winning captain compared Kohli’s approach with the calm demeanor of Indian greats. Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar And Sachin TendulkarAlso mentioned former Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad As another player who was blessed with aggression.
Kapil admitted that Kohli’s intensity sometimes appeared excessive from the outside, but suggested that it could be a key factor behind his remarkable success over the years. Although Kohli has retired from both Test cricket and T20 Internationals, he will continue to represent India in ODIs and is expected to remain a key member of the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.