"Virat Kohli's Test Retirement Is Unfortunate and Sad, Says Former Chief Selector MSK Prasad"

MSK Prasad was surprised to hear that Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket. He found the decision unexpected and hard to believe. Prasad said he doesn't understand why Kohli made this choice.

India's Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday.


Virat Kohli, often regarded as a defining figure in modern Test cricket, concluded his illustrious career in a notably understated manner by announcing his retirement through an Instagram post. Over 123 Test matches, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. While his performance remained stellar for much of his career, the last five years saw a significant dip in form, making runs harder to come by for the Indian talisman. Despite this decline, Kohli's impact on the game remains unparalleled, and his departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket.

In the last five years, Virat Kohli scored only four centuries in Test matches. His most recent century was during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he reached a hundred in the second innings of the first Test in Perth. After this achievement, his performance declined. He frequently got out by chasing balls outside the off-stump, a weakness that bowlers like Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc exploited effectively.

Ahead of the crucial five-match Test series against England, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket via Instagram. Reports over the past week indicated that Kohli had made up his mind, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) attempted to persuade the former India captain to reconsider his decision and join the UK tour.

Former India chief selector MSK Prasad expressed his surprise and sadness upon learning of Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Test cricket. In an interview Prasad stated that he did not expect Kohli to step down, especially considering the efforts made by the team management and the BCCI to convince him otherwise. He emphasized that while respecting Kohli's decision, he believed the batsman still had two more years to offer to Test cricket. Prasad acknowledged Kohli's legendary status and his significant contributions, noting that despite the BCCI's best efforts, Kohli's decision was final.

MSK Prasad, the former chief selector of India, expressed his surprise and sadness upon hearing about Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Test cricket. He mentioned that he didn't expect Kohli to step down, especially with the team's management and the BCCI trying to convince him otherwise. Prasad believes that Kohli still had two more years to offer to Test cricket and that it's unfortunate he made this decision. However, he respects Kohli's choice, acknowledging his legendary status and significant contributions to the game.

Prasad also highlighted Kohli's impact as a captain, noting that he brought energy to Test cricket. Under Kohli's leadership, India became a formidable force in the longest format, winning 40 out of the 68 Tests he captained. Kohli's advocacy for having five bowlers in every Test match and his support for India's current pace attack were also emphasized. Prasad recalled Kohli's famous statement, "give them 60 overs of hell," during the Lord's Test against England, showcasing his aggressive approach to the game.


“When it comes to Test cricket, usually, energy is associated with T20 or 50-over formats. But Virat Kohli brings a unique level of energy to Test cricket, from the first ball to the last, which is unmatched and incredible," said MSK Prasad.

He also mentioned that this energy and quality were key factors in helping India win many Test matches abroad. Kohli’s idea of playing with five bowlers in every Test, which Prasad and others supported, played a significant role in the success of India’s bowlers and their victories overseas.

With both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, India faces challenges in the upcoming tour of England. Head coach Gautam Gambhir must find solutions, and it remains to be seen who will replace Kohli at the crucial No. 4 batting position.

Venkatesh Prasad, former Indian cricketer and bowling coach, believes that India's upcoming tour of England may not be as challenging as anticipated. He points out that both teams are currently undergoing transitions. While England has the advantage of playing at home, they too are in a period of change and not at their peak performance. Prasad highlights that India has several young players who have gained experience and are ready to perform well. He mentions players like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who have been part of the team for the past few years and have had opportunities to score runs. Their exposure to international cricket, including tours to England, has equipped them with the skills and confidence needed to perform well. Prasad expresses his anticipation for the upcoming series, stating that it would be interesting to see which of the young players from both teams would rise to the occasion and deliver outstanding performances. He believes that the series will provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities and make significant contributions to their respective teams.