Virat Kohli couldn't have BCCI meeting due to India-Pakistan military action; Only talked to former coach - Report

Virat Kohli could not have a meeting with BCCI due IND-PAK conflict. (Photo: BCCI)

For a long time, Virat Kohli was thinking about retiring from Test cricket. Among the primary reasons given for Kohli's decision to end his red ball career, only 752 runs shy of 10,000 runs, was his lack of form, the BCCI's stringent policy regarding players' families on tours, and Indian selectors' desire to look ahead.

The true reasons behind Kohli's retirement will never be known with confidence (at least not yet), as he chose to remain a recluse in the latter part of his career, just like many other prominent figures in Indian cricket history. But before making a decision, Kohli kept one man in the cricket universe in confidence. Before deciding to hang up his boots in whites for good, Kohli reportedly had a conversation with former India head coach Ravi Shastri.

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"It is understood that Kohli spoke to Ravi Shastri, his friend, philosopher, guide and mentor, before taking the call," claimed a Cricbuzz report.

It shouldn't surprise anyone, to be honest. Perhaps the best illustration of a coach-captain relationship was that between Shastri and Kohli.

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In addition to helping India become a dominant force in Test cricket—India won the Test mace for three consecutive years under Shastri and Kohli's leadership—the two were also in agreement on Team India's policy-making.

“Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go well, champ.” — Ravi Shastri posted on X after Kohli announced his retirement in the first half of Monday.

Cant believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories youve given to everyone, and to me in particular. Its something I will cherish for life. Go pic.twitter.com/1te6LFGdMx
Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 12, 2025

Was Kohli's choice well-considered and executed? Yes, to a certain degree, but if the BCCI top brass and Kohli had met as planned, it could have been postponed until the England series. The armed conflict between India and Pakistan may have prevented Kohli from meeting with current board vice president Rajeev Shukla and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, according to Cricbuzz.

After nearly five days of fierce fighting, the armed forces of India and Pakistan declared a truce on May 11. The terrorist incident in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, was the main source of the conflict. In response, on May 7, India began Operation Sindoor, which involved the destruction of nine terrorist organizations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

"...The buzz around the ecosystem is that he had decided to leave Test cricket a long time ago. He was to speak to Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary, too but one is not sure if that conversation has happened at all. There was to be a meeting between him and Rajeev Shukla, an influential figure in the BCCI. But that may not have taken place because of the recent border tensions," the report stated.

However, Kohli did have at least two phone conversations and exchange a few messages with Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the selectors. If Kohli had met the BCCI leadership, the narrative might have turned out differently, but one thing is for sure: Kohli did not deserve a quiet exit like this in the format he so fervently supported during his illustrious career.