Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has made a notable comment on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement. Kohli, the Delhi-born star, retired from red-ball cricket in May this year, finishing with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
On Monday, September 8, during the India Today South Conclave, Karthik was asked if Kohli should consider returning. The 40-year-old replied that while Kohli remains physically fit, his mental state isn’t what it used to be a few years ago. He further added:
“I think everyone enjoys watching Virat Kohli play. I just want him to be happy, and he seems to be in a good place. His body is ready, but his mind isn’t what it used to be. We should respect his decision based on what feels right for him.”
“Would I like Virat Kohli to play? Of course. I always expected him to score whenever I watched him. But he gave his all and maybe felt mentally tired, so he needed a break,” Karthik said.
“Undoubtedly The Next Big Thing”– Dinesh Karthik On India’s Test Captain
During the same discussion, Dinesh Karthik praised India’s Test captain Shubman Gill, highlighting his impressive performance in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which concluded in a 2-2 draw. Karthik commented:
“Shubman Gill is undoubtedly the next big thing. Test cricket is the toughest challenge, and with changing attention spans and the rise of shorter formats, the future of the game is uncertain. But Gill has the talent to handle it,” Karthik said.
“He has everything to become a great. In England, the young Indian team performed brilliantly against a strong side, and Gill led them exceptionally well in a series hailed as one of the best since the 2005 Ashes,” he added.
The Indian captain finished the series as the top scorer, accumulating 754 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.40, with four centuries to his name.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.