Virat Kohli had a chat with Ravi Shastri about retiring from Test cricket. This was about a week before he announced his decision. Shastri shared this in an interview with Sanjana Ganesan on ICC Review.
Kohli was clear about his decision, saying he had given his all to Test cricket. He was India’s top Test captain, leading the team to 40 wins in 68 matches. MS Dhoni comes in second on that list.
Kohli’s Mindset
Shastri said Kohli told him, “I have no regrets.” When asked a few personal questions, Kohli replied that he had no doubts. This convinced Shastri that Kohli was ready to move on.
Shastri praised Kohli’s dedication, saying he gives his all to everything he does. This sets a high standard for others. Shastri also noted that Kohli is a perfectionist who wants to do it all on the field – take wickets, catch balls, and make decisions.
The Price of Perfection
This level of intensity can be tiring. Shastri believes that if Kohli doesn’t pace himself and think about how much he plays in each format, he’ll get worn out.
Kohli’s stats are impressive. He is one of the most successful Indian captains. His commitment to the game is clear, but so is the risk of burnout.