Two months after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has finally shared the reason behind his decision. On July 8, 2025, at a charity event in London organized by former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh for the YouWeCan Foundation, Kohli spoke openly about why he chose to step away from the longest format of the game.
The event saw the presence of cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, and India’s current head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Kohli, who had kept a low profile since retiring on May 12, was quietly sitting among the guests until host Gaurav Kapur called him on stage. He joined a discussion panel that included Ravi Shastri and Yuvraj Singh. When asked about his retirement, Kohli opened up and also thanked Shastri for playing a big role in his Test career.
Kohli joked, “I dyed my beard two days ago. When you’re doing that every four days, you know it’s time.” He added that if it hadn’t been for Shastri, he wouldn’t have achieved what he did in Test cricket. Kohli said their understanding and clear communication were rare and important for his growth as a cricketer. He also praised Shastri for always supporting him, even during tough press conferences. Kohli said he would always respect and appreciate Shastri for being a key part of his cricket journey.
Virat Kohli Shares Heartfelt Memories with Yuvraj Singh at London Event
Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket through an Instagram post on May 12, 2025. Over his career, he played 123 Test matches and scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. He hit 30 centuries and 7 double centuries — the most by any Indian. As captain, he led India to several major achievements, including their first-ever Test series win in Australia during the 2018–19 tour.
At the same event, the 36-year-old also spoke about his bond with Yuvraj Singh. He recalled the first time they met during a North Zone tournament in Bangalore. When Kohli began his journey with the Indian team, Yuvraj, along with Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan, helped him adjust. They made him feel welcome in the team and guided him both on and off the field. Kohli said those fun and supportive moments shaped his early days in international cricket.
He said he will always value the friendship they shared. Kohli also talked about Yuvraj’s performance during the 2011 World Cup and how shocking it was to later learn that Yuvraj was battling cancer at the same time. Kohli admired how Yuvraj fought back and returned to international cricket during Kohli’s own captaincy. He recalled a specific match against England in Cuttack during a home series in 2017. India’s top order had collapsed, but Yuvraj scored around 150 and MS Dhoni scored over 100. Kohli remembered telling KL Rahul that it felt like watching their childhood heroes live again. He expressed deep love and respect for Yuvraj and said, “I wouldn’t attend an event like this for anyone else but him.”
FAQ
When did Virat Kohli announce his Test retirement?
Virat Kohli revealed his decision to retire from Test cricket during a special gala event held in London. The exact date was not officially announced earlier, making the announcement a surprise for many.
What emotional reason did Kohli give for retiring?
Kohli shared that his decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with his family and prioritize his emotional well-being. He mentioned how tough it was to stay away from loved ones during long tours.
Why did he choose a gala in London to make the announcement?
The London gala was a high-profile event attended by former cricketers and sports personalities. Kohli likely chose this platform to share his feelings in a more personal and reflective setting.
Did Kohli say anything about his Test career achievements?
Yes, Kohli looked back proudly on his Test career, highlighting memorable wins, his time as captain, and the love he received from fans around the world.
Is Kohli retiring from all formats of cricket?
No, as of now, Kohli has only announced his retirement from Test cricket. He has not made any official statement about retiring from ODIs or T20Is.
