Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has reacted to Virat Kohli’s unexpected retirement from Test cricket, stating clearly that it’s a deeply personal decision that should not be judged by outsiders.
Kohli, known for his fierce commitment to Test cricket, made the announcement in May 2025, just before the India vs England Test series. His decision shocked fans and cricket experts, especially since he was only 770 runs away from reaching the rare milestone of 10,000 Test runs.
At the time of retirement, Virat Kohli had scored 9,230 runs in 123 matches, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties, averaging an impressive 46.85. Many believed he had more to give in the red-ball format. However, Tendulkar chose to respect Kohli’s decision, emphasizing that only the player knows the challenges they face mentally and physically.
Tendulkar Stresses Respect For Individual Choices
While speaking , Sachin Tendulkar reflected on Kohli’s move with grace. The former Indian great, who still holds the records for the most Test runs (15,921) and most centuries (51), said, “It’s a personal decision.”
“So you know it is easy for an outsider to just pass a loose comment and say, then OK, he shouldn’t have done whatever that maybe. An individual understands the state of mind, how the body is responding to the longer format of the game. And it’s a personal decision, so it wouldn’t be right for me to, you know, make any comment on that.”
Tendulkar’s comments highlight how decisions like retirement involve more than just statistics—they’re tied to the player’s mindset, physical condition, and long-term priorities. His words were a reminder that cricket fans should avoid harsh judgments and instead understand the emotional weight behind such choices.
Talk Of A Possible Return To Test Cricket
Meanwhile, former Australian captain Michael Clarke shared a bold view that Kohli might return to Test cricket under certain circumstances. On the podcast, Clarke said that if India suffers a massive defeat in England, possibly even a 5-0 whitewash, there could be pressure from fans and selectors for Kohli to come back.
“I believe this. If India go to England and get flogged, if they lose the series 5-0 for example, I think the fans will want Virat Kohli to come out of retirement and play Test cricket again. And I honestly, I think if he was asked by captain, selectors and supported by fans, if they get beaten big time in England, I think he’ll come.”
“He still loves Test cricket. I think his words, I think those words, like you could hear his passion for Test cricket is real.” Clarke believes that Kohli still has the passion and ability to contribute, hinting that a return isn’t entirely off the table.
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