BCCI knew about Virat Kohli's retirement beforehand, Sourav Ganguly told the behind the scenes story
Sourav Ganguly reacts to Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket, saying retirement should happen only when people ask 'why?'. Read more about Kohli's historic Test career and Ganguly's remarks.
Ganguly: Retirement should happen only when people ask why?
Indian veteran player Virat Kohli said goodbye to T20 Internationals in 2024. Soon after, he shocked fans again by announcing his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025. Now, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has weighed in on the decision, saying, "Retirement should happen only when people ask why? Not why not?"
According to former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket was entirely his own. Kohli had informed the BCCI about his retirement on 12 May, just four days before making it public. While the BCCI did request him to reconsider, Kohli stood firm. Ganguly acknowledged that everything has an end, and emphasized that the choice was voluntary and free of external pressure.
A Historic Career Comes to a Close
It’s worth noting that Kohli and Ganguly shared a professional relationship during their time with Team India, where Kohli captained while Ganguly served as BCCI President. Kohli had returned to domestic cricket, playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, before announcing his retirement. The move took many by surprise, including Ganguly, as Kohli was expected to continue in Test cricket for a few more years — especially after stepping away from T20 Internationals earlier.
For fans who closely follow cricket updates in Hindi, वर्तमान खेल समाचार हिंदी में पढ़ें पर। यहां आपको कोहली और अन्य खिलाड़ियों की हर नई जानकारी तुरंत मिलेगी।
Kohli’s Test Cricket Legacy
Kohli's Test stats are a testament to his greatness:
-
123 Test matches
-
9230 runs at an average of 46.85
-
30 centuries, 31 half-centuries, and 7 double centuries
As captain, he led India in 68 Tests, winning 40, losing 17, and drawing 11. His most iconic achievement? Leading India to a historic Test series win in Australia in 2018–19, becoming the first Indian captain to do so.
To read this article and more in digital print format, visit the Vaartha ePaper – your trusted source for Hindi journalism, national news, and sports coverage in digital form.
