In a week marked by emotion and reflection, Virat Kohli’s Test retirement has sent ripples across the cricketing world. But according to a bombshell report by The Indian Express, the iconic batter originally intended to announce his exit on May 7, 2025—the same day Rohit Sharma stepped down. The plan, however, was halted due to “Operation Sindoor”, a classified military operation amidst heightened tensions with Pakistan. The BCCI, in a rare behind-the-scenes intervention, requested Kohli to delay his announcement until national stability returned. As peace returned with a ceasefire on May 10, the stage was finally set. On May 12, Kohli took to Instagram, bringing an end to a golden era in Indian Test cricket.
Virat Kohli’s Test career stats speak volumes—9,230 runs in 123 matches, with an impressive average of 46.85. But numbers alone don’t capture his legacy. Kohli redefined aggression, fitness, and intensity in Indian cricket. He led India to historic overseas victories, instilled a winning mindset, and became the face of modern Indian cricket.
From the iconic 141 at Adelaide in 2014 to his twin centuries in West Indies, Kohli’s bat often roared when others fell silent. Under his captaincy, India reached the top of the ICC Test rankings, conquered Australia in their own backyard in 2018-19, and nurtured a formidable pace attack.
More than just a cricketing decision, Kohli’s retirement is deeply rooted in personal sacrifices and family dynamics. Sources close to the development reveal that Kohli had grown increasingly frustrated with BCCI’s strict policies on family visits—especially after the 1-3 loss to Australia in the 2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which led to reduced time with loved ones during tours.
Speaking at an IPL 2025 event, Kohli underlined the irreplaceable role of family in his mental well-being. “The role of family is very difficult to explain to people,” he said. “It’s not just emotional support—it’s about returning to normalcy. That grounding is what helps me reset.”
With wife Anushka Sharma often stationed in England and the couple recently welcoming their second child, Akaay, Kohli has been shuttling across continents just to spend precious moments with daughter Vamika and his newborn son. His desire to be a present father and husband has taken precedence over the grueling demands of international cricket.
The geopolitical backdrop added a surreal twist to Kohli’s exit plans. Operation Sindoor, a covert military engagement involving India and Pakistan, dominated headlines around May 7. The BCCI, wary of the impact such a major announcement could have during a sensitive period, urged Kohli to hold off. The request highlights the delicate balance between national interest and personal milestones in the life of an Indian cricket icon.
While Virat Kohli’s T20I retirement came on the back of India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, his future in ODIs remains intact—at least for now. He is expected to play a pivotal role in India’s preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where his experience could be vital in a younger setup.
Still, Kohli’s exit from the Test format leaves a massive void. His intensity, unmatched focus, and ability to rally his troops will be sorely missed in the whites.
Kohli’s retirement isn’t just the end of a career—it’s the conclusion of a chapter that defined Indian Test cricket in the 2010s and early 2020s. For fans and players alike, it’s an emotional moment. It reminds us that behind the relentless drive and gladiatorial performances stands a man, a father, and a husband—seeking balance, peace, and meaning beyond the game.
In the words of Kohli himself: “I want to be able to be normal. That, for me, is an immense pleasure.”
