Virat Kohli, the famous Indian batsman, has finally spoken out about his decision to retire from Test cricket, two months after he gave notice. At a YouWeCan Foundation charity dinner in London on July 8, 2025, which was hosted by former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, Kohli gave an explanation for his decision to leave the game’s longest format.
Legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, and Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian side, attended the London event. Also in attendance was Kohli, who has been largely hidden from the public since announcing his Test retirement on May 12. He was first seated among the guests, but emcee Gaurav Kapur asked him to the stage to join a panel that included Yuvraj Singh, Ravi Shastri, and others. When asked why he was retiring, Kohli gave his explanation. He also talked about how Shastri helped him improve as a Test cricket player.
“I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it’s time when you are colouring your beard every four days. Honestly, if I wasn’t working with him… what happened in Test cricket wouldn’t have been possible. The clarity which we had together is very hard to find. It’s everything for cricketers to grow in their careers. Even he hadn’t backed me the way he did… those press conferences where he took the bullets from the front line. Things would have been different and I always have respect and regard for him, for being a massive part of my cricketing journey.”
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli Opens Up on His Strong Bond with Yuvraj Singh
Virat Kohli confirmed his Test retirement in an Instagram post on May 12, 2025. Thirty hundreds and seven double tons (the most by an Indian) were among the 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 that the batting master scored in 123 Test matches. India achieved historic victories under his leadership, including their first-ever Test series triumph in Australia in 2018–19.
The 36-year-old thought back on his first encounter with Yuvraj Singh during the same exchange. He provided insight into Yuvraj’s fight with cancer and India’s 2011 World Cup-winning campaign.
“We shared a very good bond both on and off the field. I met him for the first time during a North Zone tournament in Bangalore. When I started playing for India, him, bhajju pa and Zaheer Khan took me under their wings. Really helped me grow as a player, made me comfortable in the dressing room. Lot of fun times off the field and made me aware of the lifestyle of getting to the top.
Virat Kohli
“These are the bonds I would cherish for the rest of my life. Watching him in the World Cup was very special and what we got to know after that was a shock. Being so close to him… we had no idea. Then his battle with cancer and again the champion that he is… coming on top and making a comeback to the team when I was leading the team. I clearly remember we played a game against England in Cuttack. There was a 2017 series we played at home and top-order got out early and Yuvi pa got 150 I think and MS scored 110 or something. I still remember telling KL or someone that this is like childhood days watching on big tv… I have a lot of love and respect for him. It’s a pleasure being here and I won’t do it for any other person but him.”
Virat Kohli
