Former Indian cricketer Syed Kirmani feels Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Tests was more due to the demands of playing excessive cricket than being pressured to quit.
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On Monday, May 12, Kohli took to his Instagram handle to announce his retirement from the red-ball format after 14 long years. He wrote a heartfelt note that resonated with every cricketing fan in the country.
The 36-year-old batter from Delhi retired as the fourth-highest run scorer in Tests, making him a part of an elite list that includes the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Kirmani himself.
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What did Syed Kirmani say about Virat Kohli Test retirement?
Former Indian wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani said that the decision was entirely on Kohli's hands, and the BCCI had no role to play in it. He feels that the demand to play excess cricket could be a factor in the veteran batsman's decision-making.
Speaking to PTI, Kirmani said, "I don't feel he is after records. It might be the excess of cricket that led to this. Records don't matter to him. I don't think he had any sort of pressure on him while making this decision."
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He further mentioned that questions like why Kohli is retiring or whether he was under some form of pressure don't make much sense.
"Questions like why he's retiring, or whether he's out of form or under pressure, don't make any sense. It's a player's individual decision."
Kirmani felt that the Indian icon still had a lot of cricket left in him, but he respects his decision and wishes him all the very best for the future.
"He still had a lot of cricket left in him. Everybody has to retire, but he should have played a bit more. However, I respect his decision. I wish him luck for the future."
The veteran wicketkeeper concluded that Virat Kohli was a constant source of inspiration and motivation to youngsters who aspire to play for the country one day.
"Virat brought consistency to the game, which made him different. He is a source of inspiration and motivation to youngsters who aspire to represent the nation; his adaptability and temperament are commendable. He is phenomenal and iconic."
IPL Revised schedule 2025
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-May-25 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 18-May-25 | Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings | Jaipur | 3:30 PM |
| 18-May-25 | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans | Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| 19-May-25 | Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
| 20-May-25 | Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| 21-May-25 | Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| 22-May-25 | Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| 23-May-25 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 24-May-25 | Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals | Jaipur | 7:30 PM |
| 25-May-25 | Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings | Ahmedabad | 3:30 PM |
| 25-May-25 | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Hyderabad | 7:30 PM |
| 26-May-25 | Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians | Jaipur | 7:30 PM |
| 27-May-25 | Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
| 28-May-25 | Rest Day | ||
| 29-May-25 | Qualifier 1 | TBC | 7:30 PM |
| 30-May-25 | Eliminator | TBC | 7:30 PM |
| 31-May-25 | Rest day | ||
| 1-Jun-25 | Qualifier 2 | TBC | 7:30 PM |
| 2-Jun-2025 | Rest Day | ||
| 25-May-25 | Final | TBC | 7:30 PM |