Kohli Quit Tests After Being Denied Captaincy, Felt ‘Lack of Freedom’: Report

Sources say Virat Kohli wanted to lead India during England series but felt constrained under current team environment; spoke to Ajit Agarkar and Ravi Shastri before quitting.

May 14, 2025: Virat Kohli was keen to lead India again in the England Test series, but after being overlooked and sensing a change in team environment, he chose to walk away from the longest format.

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Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket on Monday shocked the cricketing world. However, a new report suggests that the decision wasn’t as sudden as it appeared. According to Cricbuzz, Kohli had long been contemplating stepping away from the format, especially after sensing a lack of freedom and personal alignment within the current team environment.

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The 36-year-old reportedly expressed a desire to lead the Indian Test team once again during the upcoming England series. But with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) choosing to hand the reins to a younger player as part of a new World Test Championship cycle, Kohli felt the writing was on the wall.

Sources close to the development indicate Kohli was looking for fresh challenges to rediscover his drive after enduring a dip in form over the past three years, where he averaged just 32 with the bat in Tests. The absence of a leadership role, coupled with a changed dressing room dynamic under the current team management, made his decision easier.

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The report also claims that Kohli spoke with several senior figures before finalising his decision — including former coach and close confidant Ravi Shastri, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar (twice over the phone). A planned meeting with BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reportedly never materialised due to geopolitical tensions and scheduling conflicts.

Sources say that if the BCCI had chosen to delay the transition until after the England series, both Kohli and Rohit Sharma might have completed their Test journeys together. However, the board chose to begin the new cycle with a clean slate and firm leadership direction.

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