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Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket in May 2025 shocked the entire cricket world, and now former India opener Wasim Jaffer has added a fresh twist to the story. Jaffer believes that Virat Kohli may not have been happy with the way he was treated by Ajit Agarkar and his selectors.
The domestic batting legend raised questions over whether the handling of the batting superstar played a role in his decision to walk away from Test cricket. Kohli retired just before India’s tour of England, despite preparing for the crucial five-match Test series. Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav switches teams ahead of IPL auction.
Did Ajit Agarkar’s selection panel play a role in Virat Kohli’s Test retirement?
Wasim Jaffer said that Indian cricket lost a player who still had plenty to offer in Test cricket, and he blamed the former chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, and his panel for Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement. However, he made it clear that the actual reason behind Kohli’s decision is not known to him.
Kohli ended his Test career with a remarkable 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85. The dashing right-hander smashed 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries in the format.
Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, Wasim Jaffer said, "It felt like Virat was a bit bitter about the way he was treated. A player like Virat brings people to the ground. He has such a following. He definitely could have played more Test cricket. Till we hear it from Virat's mouth, we won't know. He was preparing for the England tour.”
Wasim Jaffer questions Ajit Agarkar’s selection policy
Meanwhile, the former Indian opener questioned several decisions made by Ajit Agarkar’s selection panel. Jaffer gave Agarkar seven out of 10 for his overall work and credit for India’s success in white-ball cricket, including two ICC T20 World Cup titles, the Asia Cup, and the ICC Champions Trophy.
However, Jaffer pointed to decisions that he felt deserved more explanation. He questioned Suryakumar Yadav’s omission, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s absence from India’s T20I side, and the uncertainty surrounding Mohammed Shami.
He also brought up the cases of Sarfaraz Khan, Auqib Nabi, and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Amid this, It’s not my loss: Mohammed Shami sends strong message amid India comeback talks.
Jaffer said, “I would give him 7 marks out of 10. I think how he handled some people could have been better. Surya was dropped after winning the T20 World Cup. Why was Bhuvi not playing T20Is? Where is Shami? Then, whatever was happening with Sarfaraz, Auqib Nabi was not picked earlier; Abhimanyu Easwaran's case has also been like this.”
Wasim Jaffer slams Ajit Agarkar’s handling of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
The former batter also raised eyebrows over the way Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were handled. He questioned the decision to appoint Shreyas Iyer captain soon after the IPL 2026 and highlighted Rohit’s removal as ODI captain despite leading India to the Champions Trophy title.
Jaffer signed off by saying, “Then, the way he handled Virat and Rohit and made Iyer the captain straightaway after the IPL. Rohit was removed from captaincy after winning the Champions Trophy. These are the things I feel could have been better. But he's known to be blunt and is not scared to take hard decisions.”
