Virat Kohli Test Retirement , Sehwag Questions Timing After IPL Knock
Virat Kohli’s recent T20 heroics for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 have reignited debates over his decision to retire from Test cricket. Former India opener Virender Sehwag, known for his forthright opinions, has once again questioned the timing of Kohli’s retirement, citing his fitness and form as reasons the star batter could have continued playing red-ball cricket. In this article, we analyze Sehwag’s remarks, revisit Kohli’s Test career, and review the IPL match performance that sparked the conversation.
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1. Sehwag Questions Kohli’s Early Exit from Test Cricket
Virender Sehwag has expressed concern and surprise over Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket. Speaking after Kohli’s explosive 43-run knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sehwag said:
“Definitely. I feel he retired too early from the Test format. He could’ve played easily for two years, the way he maintains fitness.”
Sehwag added that while the final decision lies with the player, Kohli’s energy and sharpness at the crease suggest he had more to offer in the traditional format. According to Sehwag, the decision might stem from mental or physical exhaustion, but from a cricketing standpoint, the timing appears premature.
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2. Kohli’s Shock Test Retirement Announcement
Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket last week, drawing curtains on a glorious red-ball career. The 36-year-old’s sudden exit shocked fans, teammates, and former cricketers alike.
Kohli ends his Test journey with:
• Matches: 123
• Runs: 9,230
• Centuries: 29
• Average: 52.74
His tenure as a Test batsman and captain was defined by unmatched intensity, consistent run-scoring, and transformational leadership. Yet, despite his achievements, many feel his decision was abrupt and perhaps driven by factors outside the playing field.
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3. Kohli’s Blazing Knock Against SRH
In Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s recent IPL clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, Kohli showcased his trademark flair. His 43 off 25 balls included:
• 2 fours
• 3 sixes
• A strike rate of 172
Kohli looked in sublime touch, timing the ball beautifully and displaying footwork that belied his age. His aggressive approach was a throwback to his peak years, prompting Sehwag and others to question why a player in such form would step away from the red-ball format.
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4. RCB’s Collapse Despite Kohli and Salt’s Efforts
Though Kohli and Phil Salt gave RCB a flying start during the powerplay, the team failed to capitalize on it. Salt top-scored with 62 runs, while Kohli’s 43 kept RCB in the game momentarily. However, the middle-order faltered, and the team was bowled out for 189 while chasing a mammoth 232.
The lack of partnerships and quick loss of wickets proved costly for RCB. After Salt’s dismissal, no other batter managed to play a substantial innings, exposing the team’s overreliance on a few stars.
5. Ishan Kishan’s Heroics Power SRH to 231
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batting was anchored by a masterclass from Ishan Kishan, who scored a breathtaking 94* off just 48 balls. His innings included:
• 7 fours
• 5 sixes
Kishan’s calculated aggression dismantled RCB’s bowling attack. Earlier, Abhishek Sharma (34) and Travis Head (17) provided a quick-fire start, and Heinrich Klaasen added stability in the middle overs. Hyderabad’s total of 231 for 6 was always going to be challenging.
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6. Cummins and Malinga Lead SRH’s Bowling Charge
The SRH bowling attack complemented the batting effort with clinical execution. Skipper Pat Cummins led from the front, picking up 3 for 28 and breaking crucial partnerships. Eshan Malinga also chipped in with 2 for 37, applying pressure during the middle overs.
RCB’s innings unraveled after Salt’s wicket, and the disciplined bowling ensured they never got close to the target.
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7. What Sehwag’s Comments Reveal About Kohli’s Legacy
Sehwag’s candid observations highlight a broader sentiment among cricketing fans and experts — that Kohli’s Test retirement marks the end of an era, perhaps a little too soon. The consistency in his fitness, hunger for runs, and on-field aggression were all on display in the IPL, raising legitimate questions about what could have been in Test cricket.
Kohli, known for his mental toughness and decision-making, may have had personal or emotional reasons for retiring — but the timing continues to baffle many.
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8. A Look Back at Kohli’s Test Achievements
Kohli’s Test legacy is already cemented among the greats. Key highlights include:
• Most successful Indian Test captain (40 wins)
• First Asian captain to win a Test series in Australia (2018-19)
• Iconic 254* vs South Africa in 2019
• Double centuries in four consecutive series
These feats underline why Sehwag and others believe Kohli still had the potential to reach 10,000 runs and even more milestones.
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9. Future Prospects: Focus on White-Ball Formats?
Kohli’s IPL performances indicate that he remains a force in T20s and ODIs. With the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026 in the pipeline, Kohli may be redirecting his focus entirely toward white-ball formats.
This strategic shift may also aim to prolong his overall career while managing workload and avoiding burnout.
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10. Conclusion: A Controversial Exit, A Continuing Legacy
Virat Kohli’s Test retirement continues to spark debate, especially when he produces match-winning performances in T20 cricket. Virender Sehwag’s comments reflect the emotions of millions who believe that one of India’s greatest Test batsmen had more to offer.
While Kohli’s decision is final and personal, his recent displays remind the world of his unmatched cricketing spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence — no matter the format.
