Virat Kohli had become weak mentally, his mind had stopped working- Ravi Shastri sends shockwaves

Former India coach Ravi Shastri made a huge statement on Virat Kohli following his retirement from Test cricket during the IPL 2025 season. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the 36-year-old batter was “mentally fried” and that his hunger and passion for the longest format had diminished over time.

Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement earlier this week. He announced India’s much-anticipated five-match Test series against England, set to begin next month. Kohli is also the most successful Test captain for Team India, having led the team to 40 victories during his tenure.

I Thought Virat Kohli Was Mentally Fried - Ravi Shastri

During a rain delay in the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Ravi Shastri shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement. Shastri said that Kohli was mentally fried, which was a major reason behind his decision to step away from Test cricket.

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"So I thought he was mentally fried. That fatigue was there that probably the hunger was not the same, and probably sometimes your mind tells you to know, 'Will you be able to play with the same kind of intensity, same kind of passion?' Same kind of hunger that you exhibited three or four years ago. And when your mind tells you no then it doesn't matter what your body is thinking. It's the mind," said Shastri.

I Think It Was More Mental Fatigue - Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri said that Virat Kohli’s retirement was due to mental fatigue, adding that fitness was never in question. Shastri stated that such an intense lifestyle breaks down even the best players over time.

“I think it was more mental fatigue. We all know how fit he is, and it can take its toll. You know, don't forget you mentioned his captaincy. When you captain a country for five-six-seven years across formats of the game and a country which has a following like India does. 1.5 billion, the population,” Shastri said.

“Everyone loves cricket. It's like religion and to do the job for that length of time. It will take its toll whether you like it or not. It's a different lifestyle, you at times have to leave your game on the side. It's press conferences,” he added.

Virat Kohli to Play for India in ODI Format After Test, T20I Retirements

Virat Kohli scored 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including a highest score of 254* against South Africa in 2019. His final Test appearance came during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, where he managed just six runs.

The 36-year-old batter scored 190 runs in nine innings, including a century during the BGT 2024–25. Over the last five years, Kohli’s form in the longest format dipped significantly. He scored only four centuries in that span, and his average dropped from 55 to under 47.

Kohli has already retired from Tests and T20Is, and his next focus is the 2027 ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, India are set to begin their new World Test Championship cycle with a five-match Test series against England starting on June 20.

Also read: Virat Kohli fans ORDERED not to wear white jerseys as tribute in RCB vs KKR IPL 2025 clash