‘He has thought about his family…’: Former India cricketer praises Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket

Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, closing an incredible chapter as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format.

Former India cricketer Atul Wassan believes Virat Kohli made the right decision by retiring from Test cricket. Kohli ended his illustrious 14-year career on Monday as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the format.

Speaking on OTTplay’s “Bails and Banter” show, Atul Wassan read a verse praising Kohli’s remarkable physical condition and saying that he still had a few years to go. Shortly after captain Rohit Sharma also left Test cricket, Kohli’s departure from the format continues a growing trend.

“Everyone knows about the fitness of Virat Kohli. I think he is fitter than even a 30-year-old. I reckon he has thought about his family, he has two kids now. The bandwidth of Test cricket is not just about the matches. What you do before it and what you do after it also matters. It takes a lot from you. I think he has realised he has nothing more to prove,” said Wassan.

Wassan suggested that the timely retirements of Kohli and Rohit will help in a smoother transition for the Indian team, though he also reflected that their presence and experience will be deeply missed in the dressing room.

“Last two years he hasn’t done too well. People don’t realise his presence and mentorship in the team are much more than the runs he is scoring. Both Rohit and Kohli realised the more we stay, the more time it will take for transition. Looking at the upcoming England tour, it would have been too much for Kohli for his entire package — his family, his time and his fitness,” he added.

Wassan characterized Kohli as one of the players who transformed cricket by elevating the standard in red-ball cricket with his skillful strokeplay and aggressive style.

“I think he made a good call. We will miss him. Virat Kohli’s presence means a lot, even if he does not score runs. Virat Kohli’s aggression has brought a lot more fans to Test cricket. At times, it has been over the top but it brings the fun as well. If he is not aggressive, he would not perform with the bat,” Wassan further stated.

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