The build-up to the India-England Test series, starting from June 20 is all about Virat Kohli's Test retirement. The star batter took everyone by surprise when he announced retirement from the red-ball format just ahead of India's all-important Test series in England. The right-hand batter, who values the longest format more than the other two white-ball formats, stepped away, leaving India's batting line-up a bit inexperienced. While a lot of experts feel Kohli should have continued playing Tests, legendary Aussie cricketer Adam Gilchrist opined it was the right time for the Indian batter to step away.
The cricketer-turned-expert stated that the very fact that Kohli retired, rather than why have you still not retired, justifies it was the right call by the 36-year-old to retire from Tests. Gilchrist, who himself retired from Tests a bit early, drew parallels from his own exit; a decision he took owing to his reflexes slowed down while driving or taking a catch.
“I congratulate him. I'm really happy for him that he came to the decision himself. He didn't ride a period of speculations where a lot is said in the press, and you're judged by external voices. I made my decision during a game and announced it a day later! He obviously had a bit more time to think about it post the Australian series,” Gilchrist told Sports Yaari.
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“I really like that he's come to a decision. It resonated with me because I always remember thinking I'd rather people say why than why you haven't.”
Virat Kohli does not need to prove to himself anymore: Adam Gilchrist
The former Australia wicketkeeper-batter further went on to state that Kohli could have scored more centuries for the record and personal glory, but added the batter recognized his form had dipped drastically and he does not need to prove himself anymore.
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“Many people would probably think that if he kept playing Tests, he would find another hundred or two somewhere. But, it isn't with the same lofty standards that he had set for so long. We have seen a bit of a drop from that in recent years, and he's probably acknowledged that. He's nothing to prove to anyone,” said Gilchrist.
Kohli's average dipped below 50 during the Border Gavaskar Trophy, as he could score just one century in the five Tests he played. The right-hand batter continues to remain active in the ODI format.
