Virat Kohli Finally Reveals Why He Retired Prematurely From Test Cricket, Pins Blame

Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir [Source: AFP]

It has now been a year since Virat Kohli shocked cricket fans with his sudden retirement from Test cricket. On May 12 last year, the former India captain shared an emotional note on Instagram and confirmed that he was stepping away from the longest format of the game. 

In his message, he wrote, "I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile." Since that day, fans had been waiting to know the real reason behind his decision.

Now, the cricket star has finally spoken openly about why he decided to retire earlier than expected.

Virat Kohli Announced Test Retirement On May 12

Virat Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 and soon became one of the biggest names in world cricket. Over the years, he played a major role in changing India into a powerful Test team. 

Notably, Virat Kohli ended his Test career with outstanding numbers. He scored 9230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85. Along with that, he smashed 30 centuries and 51 half-centuries.

Interestingly, he retired when he was only 770 runs away from reaching the special mark of 10,000 Test runs. If he had continued, he could have become only the third Indian player after Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid to score 10,000 runs in two different formats of international cricket.

Virat Kohli Opens Up On His Test Retirement

During a recent conversation with sports presenter Mayanti Langer connected with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli finally shared what was going on in his mind before retirement.

He said, “If i can add value to the environment that i’m a part of - and the environment feels like I can add value - if i’ made to feel i need to prove my worth and my value i’m not in that space.”

Erika Morris

@ErikaMorris79

“If i can add value to the environment that i’m a part of - and the environment feels like I can add value - if i’ made to feel i need to prove my worth and my value i’m not in that space”🎤🔥🔥 Virat said it perfectly, real value doesn’t come from constantly proving yourself.

May 15, 2026, 12:31 PM

His statement surprised many fans. Even though he did not directly take anyone’s name, people feel that he was talking about the atmosphere around the Indian team at that time.

Also Read: Not Rohit Sharma! Virat Kohli Picks The Only Indian Batter In His League

Talks About Dressing Room Tension

For a long time, there have been reports about tension between senior players and the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Many reports also suggested that there was a growing distance between India head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior cricketers like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

According to a PTI report, the relationship between Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma had become uncomfortable during practice sessions. Reports claimed that both personalities often stayed away from each other.

At the same time, fans also noticed changes in Gambhir’s relationship with Kohli. Earlier, both were often seen smiling and laughing together. Later, their interactions appeared more formal and serious.

It is important to note that Virat Kohli’s retirement came shortly before India’s England tour. Interestingly, Rohit Sharma had also announced his retirement from Test cricket just days earlier. Rohit shared the news through a simple Instagram Story.

Virat Kohli Still Shining In IPL

Even after leaving Test cricket and T20Is, Kohli continues to entertain fans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Indian legend is currently playing for RCB in IPL 2026 and enjoying another excellent season.

The star batter has scored 484 runs in 12 innings with a strike rate of 165.75. Along with that, he is also in the race for the Orange Cap.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Clears 2027 World Cup Intentions With Brutal Jibe