Former India captain Kapil Dev expressed his disagreement with Virat Kohli’s choice to retire from Test cricket, believing Kohli still had the potential to excel in the format and make a comeback if needed. Kohli, who retired in May 2025 after a remarkable 14-year Test career, scored 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries, making him India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 games.
Reflecting on Kohli’s retirement, Kapil Dev mentioned he would have preferred Kohli to continue playing Test cricket. He emphasized that Kohli could have returned to the team by staying patient and working hard, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. Kapil Dev highlighted Kohli’s skills as a Test player and suggested that he could have reclaimed his spot through domestic cricket performances.
Drawing parallels between Kohli’s competitive nature and tennis legend John McEnroe, Kapil Dev noted that some athletes thrive on emotion and confrontation. He compared Kohli’s approach to that of McEnroe, highlighting the intensity and passion both players exhibited in their respective sports. Kapil Dev acknowledged that while Kohli’s aggressive demeanor might seem excessive at times, it could have been a key factor in his success as a cricketer.
Despite retiring from Test and T20I formats, Virat Kohli continues to represent India in ODIs and is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the team’s quest for the 2027 World Cup trophy.
