BCCI clears Virat Kohli's Test retirement decision came from the batter: 'He said he wants to finish'

BCCI chief selector Aji Agarkar has cleared the Virat Kohli was the one who approached the board and informed that he wants to retire from Tests. The approach was made in early April. read more

Team India’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, has brought an end to endless rumours that Virat Kohli was forced to retire from the Test team and that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tried to change his mind. Agarkar explained that Kohli decided to retire from Test cricket after having a feeling that he had given his everything to the format.

Kohli, who played 123 Tests and scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, stunned the cricketing world on 12 May by announcing his retirement from Test cricket. It came as a big shock, as many expected him to return as captain after Rohit Sharma retired from the longest format before him.

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Kohli’s retirement was preceded by multiple reports that suggested BCCI was trying to get Kohli ready for the England tour at least, but Agarkar cleared that Kohli approached the selectors as early as April to share his decision.

‘Retirement decision came from Kohli’

The former Indian pacer added that we must respect Kohli’s decision, even though it’s difficult to replace him.

“When guys like that retire, it’s always going to be big holes to fill. Even Ashwin retired a few months back. All those guys are stalwarts of Indian cricket. It’s always difficult. One way to look at it is that it’s an opportunity for someone else. Obviously, I’ve had conversations with both of them over the last couple of months. Virat obviously reached out in early April and said he wants to finish,” Agarkar said during the press conference to for the England tour.

“We’ve seen him want to give 200 percent every ball that plays… even when he’s not batting and in the field. He had given everything that he had and if he can’t keep up to the standards that he’s set for himself over the years and how good he has been, maybe it was time for him.”

“It’s tough for him; you’ve got to respect that. They have earned that respect, both of them, and the one thing with great players is that they are true to themselves. When you’ve got a guy who’s played 123 Test matches, you will obviously miss them. It’s tough to fill that spot, but it’s an opportunity for someone else. He has shown what needs to be done to succeed at this level,” Agarkar added.

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Meanwhile, Gill has been named as India’s newest Test captain , replacing Rohit. The selectors have also called up Karun Nair after a gap of eight years to replace Kohli in the squad.

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