Despite Virat Kohli announcing his retirement from Test cricket, many fans still find it hard to accept. A large section of the cricketing fraternity continues to hope for his return to the longest format of the game. Among those voicing this sentiment is former India opener Virender Sehwag, who believes Kohli still had a couple of good years left in Test cricket.
Sehwag Questions Timing of Kohli’s Retirement
Speaking after Virat Kohli’s fluent 43-run knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL 2025 clash, Sehwag remarked that the 35-year-old could have easily continued in red-ball cricket. “Definitely. I feel he retired too early from the Test format. He could’ve played easily for two years, the way he maintains fitness. But only Virat Kohli can tell the reasons behind the decision. It’s a player’s personal decision based on his will, or whether he feels exhausted,” Sehwag said.
“But according to me, the way he played, and the way he showed energy, it feels he could’ve easily played for two years.”
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Kohli’s Retirement Came Ahead of England Series
Kohli shocked fans and pundits alike when he announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12 via social media. His decision came just days after Rohit Sharma also called time on his Test career, with the 5-match India-England Test series looming in June.
The back-to-back retirements of two of India’s greatest modern-day batters have left a void in the team and stirred debate over whether both exits came too soon.
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In a high-scoring contest at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, Virat Kohli’s fluent 43 off 25 balls was a rare positive for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Showcasing his class, he gave RCB a promising start in their chase.
However, the momentum quickly faded as the rest of the batting order crumbled under pressure. Chasing SRH’s 231/6, RCB were eventually bowled out for 189, falling short by 42 runs.
