New Delhi: Former India captain Kapil Dev has expressed disappointment over Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket, stating that the modern-day great still had the ability to succeed in the longest format. His remarks have reignited discussions around Kohli’s early exit from red-ball cricket, despite a highly successful career.
Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, ending a remarkable 14-year journey. During this period, he amassed 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries, and established himself as one of India’s finest Test batters. He also holds the record as India’s most successful Test captain, leading the side to 40 victories in 68 matches.
Kapil Dev questions timing of retirement
Kapil Dev made it clear that he would have preferred Kohli to continue playing, emphasising that retirement decisions should not revolve solely around milestones such as scoring 10,000 runs.
“I wasn’t happy when he retired from Test cricket. It’s not about 10,000 runs or any milestone,” Kapil said, reflecting on the decision.
According to him, Kohli still possessed the temperament and skill required to compete at the highest level. He suggested that even if the batter was facing a lean patch or selection challenges, patience and persistence could have paved the way for a comeback.
Emphasis on resilience and comeback
Kapil highlighted that setbacks are part of every cricketer’s journey and should not prompt early retirement. He advised that players should be willing to go back to domestic cricket, work on their game, and earn their place again if needed.
“If the selectors didn’t pick him, it’s okay. If the captain didn’t pick him, it’s okay. Go back and score runs. He would have come back because he still has the ability,” Kapil added.
His comments underline a traditional cricketing philosophy that values perseverance and long-term commitment to the format, especially in Test cricket, which is often considered the ultimate challenge for players.
Comparing Kohli’s intensity to John McEnroe
Kapil Dev also drew an interesting comparison between Kohli’s aggressive on-field persona and that of tennis legend John McEnroe. He noted that some athletes perform at their best when fuelled by emotion and confrontation.
“Looking at Virat, I remember John McEnroe. Until he fought, he couldn’t produce his best performance,” Kapil remarked.
He explained that while some players prefer calmness and composure, others thrive on intensity. Kohli, known for his passionate approach, belongs to the latter category.
Contrasting styles with Indian greats
Kapil also compared Kohli’s style with legendary Indian cricketers such as Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, and Sachin Tendulkar. He pointed out that these players relied on composure and consistency, letting their performances speak rather than displaying overt aggression.
While acknowledging the effectiveness of such calm approaches, Kapil emphasised that there is no single formula for success in sport. Kohli’s aggressive demeanour, though sometimes seen as excessive, may have been a key factor behind his achievements.
“Sometimes you feel he should cool down a little. But maybe he believed his performances improved when he was that enthusiastic,” Kapil noted.
Kohli’s legacy and future role
Despite stepping away from Tests and T20 Internationals, Kohli continues to play One Day Internationals for India. He is expected to play a crucial role in India’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
His Test career remains one of the most impactful in Indian cricket history, marked by consistency, leadership, and a renewed emphasis on fitness and aggression in the longest format.
Conclusion
Kapil Dev’s remarks highlight an ongoing debate about timing and longevity in international cricket. While Kohli’s decision to retire from Tests was personal and came after years of service, opinions like Kapil’s reflect the belief that elite players should continue as long as they remain capable.
As Indian cricket transitions to a new generation, Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket stands secure. However, discussions around whether he could have extended his red-ball career further are likely to continue among fans and experts alike.