Who forced Virat Kohli to retire? India's bowling coach exposes behind the scenes

Former Team India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has described ace batter Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket as a selfless decision. Mhambrey said that Kohli and Rohit Sharma felt they could no longer perform at their peak in the longest format of the game for the India national cricket team.

On May 7, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket. Virat Kohli made his decision just five days later. The retirements left fans emotional ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. India, led by Shubman Gill, will begin their new cycle with a five-match Test series in England.

Virat Kohli Didn’t Have Five Years of Test Cricket Left in Him - Paras Mhambrey

Paras Mhambrey said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were aware they were no longer at their best in Test cricket, which likely influenced their decision to retire. He pointed out that Kohli didn’t have another five years in the format and added that it was the right time to step away.

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"Virat didn't have five years of test cricket left in him. You knew that, right? Their individual battles that they fought, they must have realised that it was time," Mhambrey told Hindustan Times.

“They always say how valuable they could be in their contribution. And sometimes, it's the motivation bit. Maybe they were not as motivated to play that format. They'll not be able to give their best to that format. And that's the way they approach. So very selfless approach, both of them,” Mhambrey added.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Retire from Tests and T20Is

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from Test and T20I cricket, but both are expected to continue playing ODIs, with the 2027 World Cup likely their target.

Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies, played 113 Tests, amassing over 9,200 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. However, his average dipped below 50 in recent years, and his long-standing weakness outside the off-stump was exposed.

Rohit began his Test career with two centuries in his debut series against the West Indies but struggled to secure a permanent spot in the XI as a middle-order batter. His red-ball career was revived in 2019 when he was promoted to open the innings.

However, Rohit failed to score runs against New Zealand and Australia. He eventually benched himself for the final Test of the 2024-25 Australia series in Sydney, which India went on to lose 1-2.

Sometimes You Are Not in the Frame of Mind to Go… - Paras Mhambrey

Paras Mhambrey believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's decision to retire from Tests and T20Is will help them fully focus on ODIs, where they can still contribute.

“Sometimes you are not in the frame of mind to go through the grind. If I’m not there 100%, I would rather just be honest and say that, I’m good in one format. Let me focus on the other format, which I can be more useful for the team," he said.

India are set to begin a new era in Test cricket as they take on England in the opening match of a five-match Test series, starting on Friday in Leeds. Shubman Gill will lead the team, with Rishabh Pant named as his vice-captain.

Also read: England backed by spin great to secure Ashes 2025-26 victory in Australia