'Virat Kohli's retirement could have been handled better': Ravi Shastri points fingers at BCCI

Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri (AFP Photo)

Former India coach Ravi Shastri gave an honest evaluation of the events that transpired after the tour to Australia, expressing his dissatisfaction with Virat Kohli's retirement. In addition to emphasizing the need for improved communication among Indian cricket's stakeholders, Shastri said he would not have hesitated to name Kohli as Test captain ahead of the England tour.

Many were surprised when Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May. Halfway through the IPL 2025 season, the former captain made his decision public on social media with emotional post.

“It’s when you go, that’s when people will realise how big a player he was. I feel sad that he is gone, the way he’s gone. I think it could have been handled better. There should have been more communication. If I had anything to do with it, I would have made him captain straight away after Australia,” Ravi Shastri told Sony Sports.

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Kohli's decision came days after Rohit Sharma called quits from the traditional format. Although Rohit's retirement was partially anticipated, many were taken aback by Kohli's departure from the format he most enjoyed.

As reported by India Today, a key board member tried to persuade Kohli to remain on for the England tour after he notified the BCCI and selectors about his decision in May. However, Kohli went ahead and announced his retirement, detailing his reasons for quitting the format that “tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life” in a poignant parting speech.

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Days after Kohli's decision, Shastri also acknowledged that the batter had consulted with him prior to making the crucial choice pertaining to his Test future. Kohli amassed 9,230 runs from 130 matches by the end of his red-ball career.

For the series in England, which begins on June 20, India will now be without three of their biggest match-winners: Kohli, Rohit, and Ravichandran Ashwin. The series also marks the start of India's new World Test Championship cycle. The team will be captained by Shubman Gill, while Rishabh Pant will serve as vice-captain for the five-Test series.

Both Kohli and Rohit are yet to announce ODI retirements. Following the 2024 T20 World Cup victory, the duo had announced retirement from T20Is. In fact this month, Royal Challengers Bengaluru overcame Punjab Kings in the final to capture the elusive IPL trophy, ending Kohli's 18-year long wait.