Adam Gilchrist on Virat Kohli's Test Retirement: 'He Would Score Another Hundred or Two, But Not with the Same Lofty Standards'
Virat Kohli's sudden retirement from Test cricket has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Indian star's decision to step away from the longest format of the game came just ahead of the crucial five-match series against England, leaving a significant void in the team and putting selectors in a scramble to find a suitable replacement.
Legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has weighed in on Kohli's retirement, offering his perspective on the matter. While some former Indian cricketers have suggested that Kohli still had plenty of Test cricket left in him, Gilchrist praised the 36-year-old for making the tough decision to retire.
"I congratulate him. I'm really happy for him that he came to the decision himself. He didn't ride a period of speculation 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," Gilchrist told Sports Yaari.
Gilchrist further added, "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's nothing to prove to anyone."
Despite his retirement from Test cricket, Kohli remains an active player in the one-day format. He recently won his first-ever IPL title with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, defeating Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Kohli is expected to feature in India's three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, which begins on August 17.
Kohli retires as a legend of red-ball cricket, having scored a total of 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an impressive average of 46.85. He ranks as India's fourth-highest run-getter in Test cricket and is the fourth-highest Test century-maker for the national team.
Players:
- Virat Kohli: Indian cricketer, retired from Test cricket.
- Adam Gilchrist: Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter, provided commentary on Kohli's retirement.
- Rishabh Pant: Indian cricketer, mentioned in related news.
- Shubman Gill: Indian cricketer, mentioned in related news.
- Cheteshwar Pujara: Indian cricketer, mentioned in related news.
