Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has revealed that he had a chat with Virat Kohli ahead of Kohli's retirement from the longest format. The evergreen Kohli called time on his Test career on May 12, bringing an end to one of the most extraordinary careers in Test cricket. After speaking to Kohli, Shastri realised that the time was right for Kohli to bid adieu to Test cricket.
"I did speak to him about it, I think a week before that [his announcement] and his mind was very clear that he'd given us everything. There were no regrets. There were one or two questions I asked, and that's a personal conversation which, you know, he mentioned very clearly, there were no doubts in his mind, which made me think, 'Yes, the time is right'. The mind has told his body that it's time to go,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.
Kohli, who capped off his Test career as India’s fourth highest Test run-scorer, made 30 hundreds and 31 fifties. He represented India in 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. As a captain, he led India to 40 wins in 68 Tests. Meanwhile, Shastri praised Kohli’s relentless determination and perseverance on the field.
“If he decided to do something, then he gave his 100%, which is not easy to match,” Shastri said. “Individually, as a bowler, as a batsman. A player does his job, [and] then you sit back. But [with Kohli] when the team goes out, it’s as if he has to take all the wickets, he has to take all the catches, he has to make all the decisions on the field."
"That much involvement, I would think there’s going to be a burnout somewhere if he doesn’t take a rest, if he doesn’t compartmentalise how much he wants to play across formats, there is bound to be a burnout," Shastri said.
Shastri further said that he was left surprised by Kohli’s decision, as he could have gone on to play for at least 2-3 more years.
“Virat surprised me because I thought he had at least two-three years of Test match cricket left in him. But then, when you’re mentally fried and overcooked, that’s what tells your body. You might be physically the fittest guy in the business. You might be fitter than half the guys in your team, but mentally you’re well done, as they say, then it sends a message to the body. You know, that’s it," Shastri said.