"Virat Kohli didn't ride a period of speculations"- Adam Gilchrist's no-nonsense take

Legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has given his two cents on Virat Kohli’s unexpected retirement from Test cricket. As debate continues to swirl around Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Tests just weeks before India’s crucial Test series in England, Adam Gilchrist has defended the batting icon’s call with a bold statement.

The former Australian great believes that Kohli’s Test retirement was not just well-timed but dignified. Comparing it with his own experience of calling it quits during a live series, Gilchrist hailed the timing of the former Indian captain’s decision that proves his greatness.

Adam Gilchrist hails Virat Kohli’s surprise Test retirement

He believes that it is rare to walk away without sparking speculation or waiting for selectors to shut the door, so he would back Virat Kohli’s call. Well, Kohli’s form in the 2024-25 season was not optimistic at all, with just a lone century across 10 Tests to his name.

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Still, fans and the BCCI were hoping that the legendary batter, known for his fierce love for Test cricket, would continue, but he decided to walk away on his terms rather than staying on to be questioned or doubted. And Gilchrist was happy that Kohli retired at a moment when fans were left stunned, asking "Why now?" instead of "Why not already?"

I'm really happy for him: Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist was quoted as saying by Sports Yaari, “I congratulate him. I'm really happy for him that he came to the decision himself. He didn't ride a period of speculations where a lot is said in the press, and you're judged by external voices.

I made my decision during a game and announced it a day later! He obviously had a bit more time to think about it post the Australian series. I really like that he's come to a decision. It resonated with me because I always remember thinking I'd rather people say why than why you haven't.

The legendary cricketer admitted that fans were surprised by Kohli’s Test retirement, but they have to accept that he couldn’t match the standard set by himself and that he didn’t want to disappoint himself, the game, and the fans.

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Had Virat Kohli lost his hunger?

Gilchrist pointed out that Virat Kohli has seemingly noticed a dip in his form in the format that he loved most and felt it was the right time to step away, and he did. He said that Kohli doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone, as he has already achieved a lot.

He signed off by saying, “Many people would probably think that if he kept playing Tests, he would find another hundred or two somewhere. But it isn't with the same lofty standards that he had set for so long. We have seen a bit of a drop from that in recent years, and he's probably acknowledged that. He has nothing to prove to anyone.”

However, Kohli will continue to play ODI cricket, and he is expected to be seen in action for India in August against Bangladesh. However, the BCCI has yet to give the green light to the ODI series.