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In a moment that stunned the cricketing world, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket around noon on May 12, leaving fans and pundits in disbelief. Known as the “run machine,” Kohli seemed to have a few more chapters left in red-ball cricket, but his sudden call marked the end of an era. Now, Royal Challengers Bengaluru mentor Dinesh Karthik has offered a rare insight into the former captain’s state of mind following his departure from the longest format.
Locker Room Shock: Kohli Kept It Quiet
Speaking to broadcasters ahead of RCB’s IPL clash against SunRisers Hyderabad in Lucknow, Karthik admitted that Kohli’s retirement caught even his teammates off guard. “It came as a shock to the outside world, so we were just observing what Virat was up to,” Karthik said. “We were taken aback—‘Oh, this is happening.’ He kept it close to his chest.”
Family First, Cricket Always
According to Karthik, Kohli’s decision wasn’t a reaction to pressure or form, but a thoughtful move toward personal balance. “He is at his happiest now—he’s enjoying the sport and genuinely wants to spend more time with his family,” said Karthik. “It’s a personal decision, and we all respect it.”
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A Glorious Red-Ball Legacy
Kohli finishes his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches and a staggering 40 wins as captain in 68 games. His leadership transformed India’s Test fortunes, making him one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history.
Looking Ahead: One Last Dance in 2027
While the whites are now behind him, Kohli is far from done. He remains committed to ODIs and is eyeing one final crowning moment—lifting the ICC ODI World Cup in 2027. Along with Rohit Sharma, who also stepped down from T20s last year, Kohli’s journey continues—just with a sharper focus and a fuller life.