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Two months after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, star Indian batter Virat Kohli has finally broken his silence about the decision. On July 8, 2025, at a fundraising gala hosted by former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh for the YouWeCan Foundation in London, Kohli revealed the reason for stepping away from the longest format of the game.
The London event was attended by legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, and the current Indian team head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Kohli, who has been keeping a relatively low public profile since his Test retirement announcement on May 12, was also present. Initially seated among the guests, he was invited on stage by host Gaurav Kapur, joining a panel featuring Ravi Shastri, Yuvraj Singh, and others. Upon being asked about retirement, Kohli revealed his reason. He also mentioned Shastri's role in helping him become a better Test cricketer.
"I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it's time when you are colouring your beard every four days. Honestly, if I wasn't working with him... what happened in Test cricket wouldn't have been possible. The clarity which we had together is very hard to find. It's everything for cricketers to grow in their careers. Even he hadn't backed me the way he did... those press conferences where he took the bullets from the front line. Things would have been different and I always have respect and regard for him, for being a massive part of my cricketing journey," says Kohli.
More to follow...
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