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

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.

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.