Virat Kohli wanted to Continue in Tests, Mohammed Kaif predicts reason which led to India Star's Retirement

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Virat Kohli's sudden decision to retire from Test cricket continues to draw reactions, with former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif offering a candid perspective on the possible reasons behind the move.

Kohli, who had recently participated in the Ranji Trophy, shocked fans and pundits alike by stepping away from red-ball cricket just ahead of the crucial England tour.

In an exclusive interaction, Kaif shared his views on the developments that may have led to Kohli's decision. And the former India player believes Kohli wanted to continue in the format but several other factors led to his departure.

"I think he wanted to continue in the format. There must have been some internal talks with the BCCI; the selectors may have cited his form in the past 5-6 years and told him his spot in the team may no longer be there. We will never find out what happened, it is very difficult to guess what actually took place behind the scenes," Kaif said to IANS.

"But given the last-minute decision, having played the Ranji trophy, I definitely think he wanted to come back in the upcoming Tests. The developments in the last few weeks, he may not have gotten the support he thought he would get from BCCI and selectors, which he may not have gotten," he added.

Kaif then reflected on Kohli's batting during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He noted a visible urgency in the veteran batter's approach, particularly his tendency to chase deliveries outside off stump- something he believes hinted at reduced patience. While Kohli had built his Test legacy on grinding out innings, the frequent edges to slip while attempting cover drives suggested a change in mindset or perhaps an inner restlessness.

"That one method of dismissal at the slips perhaps shows that he was not ready to spend hours at the crease. The communication from BCCI and the self-realization in red-ball cricket may have led to the decision," Kaif concluded.

Kohli's departure from the longest format of the game creates a huge void in the Test setup. With Rohit Sharma also not in the scene, it is ought to be a massive test of character, perseverance as the Indian team takes on England in a five-match Test series from next month.