Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed disappointment over the way Virat Kohli’s Test career came to an end, calling it a missed opportunity and a poorly managed transition. Speaking on Sony Sports, Shastri said that Kohli’s retirement deserved better handling and stronger communication from the board.
“I Would Have Made Virat Kohli Captain Straight Away” – Shastri
Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket last month, following India’s 1–3 defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25. The timing surprised many, as it came just before the start of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle, which begins June 20.
Shastri revealed that, in his view, Kohli should have been reinstated as captain after the series loss. “If I had anything to do with it, I would have made him captain straight away after Australia,” said the former coach. “I feel sad that he is gone, the way he’s gone. I think it could have been handled better. There should have been more communication.”
Kohli’s Departure Follows Rohit’s Exit; Gill Takes Over
Kohli’s retirement followed closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, leaving a leadership vacuum. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee named Shubman Gill as the new captain, who will now face his first challenge in a five-Test home series against England.
“An Ambassador for Test Cricket”
Ravi Shastri paid glowing tribute to Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket, describing him as more than just a player with great stats. “Stats don’t do justice — it’s about the way he carried himself, especially as an ambassador for Test match cricket,” he said.
He cited Kohli’s intensity and passion in iconic overseas victories — including the memorable series in England and the historic 2018–19 win in Australia — as defining moments that elevated Indian cricket’s global stature. “The way he played at Lord’s, how the team turned things around — it was unreal. I’m glad I was a part of it,” Shastri added.
Kohli: India’s Most Successful Test Captain
Virat Kohli retires as India’s most successful Test captain, with 40 wins in 68 matches. Under his leadership, India scaled the top of the ICC Test rankings, reached the 2021 WTC Final, and consistently performed strongly abroad. His leadership laid the groundwork for India’s aggressive, fast-bowling-driven brand of Test cricket.
As Indian cricket enters a new phase under Shubman Gill, questions remain about the future structure, leadership communication, and how the legacies of legends like Kohli will be honored in years to come.
