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When Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in the days leading up to the high-profile Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, the decision stunned the cricketing world. Coming just after Rohit Sharma’s own retirement from the longest format, it meant that India went into the five-match series with a largely new-look leadership group — spearheaded by Shubman Gill.
Gill rose to the occasion, scoring heavily and guiding India to a hard-fought 2-2 series draw, but former India captain and ex-chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar believes the team missed Kohli’s presence.
“If I were the Indian chief selector, I would have persuaded Virat to bid goodbye to Test cricket after playing the England series. We needed his class and experience in this series,” Vengsarkar told the Times of India.
A Career Intertwined with England Tours
Kohli’s career in Test cricket has had some of its most defining moments on English soil. His first tour in 2014 was a rare low point, as he struggled against the swinging Dukes ball, managing only 134 runs in 10 innings at an average of 13.40. Critics questioned his technique, especially against deliveries moving away late.
Four years later, in 2018, he returned as captain and emphatically silenced doubters, amassing 655 runs at an average of 59.54, including two centuries and three fifties. It was a tour that solidified his reputation as one of the finest all-format batsmen in the game.
However, his subsequent England tour in 2021/22 — which also included the World Test Championship final against New Zealand — was less memorable. Kohli managed just two half-centuries across the trip.
Overall, in 17 Tests in England, Kohli scored 1,096 runs at an average of 33.21, with two hundreds and five fifties. While the numbers reflect both highs and lows, his experience of English conditions is something Vengsarkar feels could have helped the younger Indian squad in 2025.
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Timing of Retirement Questioned
For Vengsarkar, the central issue was timing. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, named in honour of James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar, was not just another series — it was a showcase event steeped in rivalry and history. With both teams evenly matched and conditions in England always challenging for visiting batters, Vengsarkar believes Kohli’s presence could have tilted the balance in India’s favour.
“England is one of the toughest places for batting, especially against their seam attack. Virat’s composure, shot selection, and ability to play long innings would have been invaluable,” Vengsarkar said.
Kohli’s Own Reasoning
Kohli had revealed his decision to step away from Tests last month while India were already in England. His explanation was delivered with trademark humour:
It was a lighthearted comment, but beneath it was an acknowledgment that his time in the longest format had reached a natural conclusion. Kohli, 36, has long been known for his meticulous approach to fitness and preparation, and his decision was seen by some as a move to extend his career in shorter formats while avoiding burnout.
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Post-Retirement Playing Status
Interestingly, both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have not played any top-level cricket since the 2024 IPL season. With India not scheduled to play ODI cricket until late 2025 — during tours of Australia and South Africa — both stalwarts face an extended spell without competitive matches.
This gap has inevitably led to speculation about their future in the national setup. While neither has formally announced retirement from ODIs or T20Is, the selectors’ long-term plans remain unclear. For a cricketing nation in transition, the question is whether to keep relying on veteran stars or to fully invest in the next generation.
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Leadership Transition and Gill’s Emergence
The absence of both Kohli and Rohit in the Test arena opened the door for Shubman Gill’s elevation to captaincy. The 25-year-old seized the opportunity, leading from the front with the bat and showing a calm, assured presence as skipper.
Gill’s performances in the series — marked by crucial centuries and partnerships — have been hailed as a glimpse of India’s future. Yet, even with Gill’s success, the argument from voices like Vengsarkar’s is that the combination of youth and experience could have been even more potent.
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Vengsarkar’s Perspective as Former Selector
As India’s chief selector between 2006 and 2008, Vengsarkar had overseen transitions in leadership and batting order, including the early integration of future stars like Kohli himself. His comments carry the weight of someone who understands both the strategic and emotional aspects of squad composition.
“Transitions should be managed carefully,” he said. “You don’t want to lose two of your most experienced players in the same format at the same time, especially before a big away series. These are the moments when experience counts for more than statistics.”
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The Bigger Picture: India’s Batting in England
Historically, Indian batting line-ups have struggled in England. Swing-friendly conditions, a seam-heavy opposition attack, and unpredictable weather have often combined to expose technical weaknesses. In 2025, while Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad showed flashes of brilliance, there were also collapses that cost India key sessions.
It’s in those pressure moments, Vengsarkar argues, that a seasoned campaigner like Kohli could have steadied the ship. His ability to weather early storms and grind out big scores has been a hallmark of his Test career.
Kohli’s Test Legacy
Kohli’s Test record is one of the most celebrated in modern cricket. In 113 matches, he scored over 8,800 runs at an average just shy of 50, with 29 centuries and 29 fifties. As captain, he led India to the top of the ICC Test rankings and was instrumental in historic series wins in Australia and competitive performances in South Africa and England.
His aggressive style, fitness-first approach, and commitment to Test cricket inspired a generation of players to value the format. In an era increasingly dominated by T20 leagues, Kohli’s advocacy for the five-day game has been widely acknowledged as crucial to its survival in India.
What Comes Next for Kohli?
While his Test career is over, Kohli remains a major figure in world cricket. His focus is expected to shift to white-ball formats, particularly the T20 World Cup cycle and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Given his marketability and influence, his presence in the IPL and other limited-overs competitions will continue to draw huge attention.
However, the long gap before his next international appearance raises questions about match readiness and whether the selectors will still see him as part of their 2026 plans.
Final Word
For Vengsarkar, the disappointment lies not in Kohli’s decision to retire — which he calls a player’s personal right — but in the timing relative to one of India’s marquee Test series.
“Virat has given everything to Indian cricket. My only point is that the England series was special, and his presence would have made it even more memorable,” Vengsarkar concluded.
As India’s Test team forges ahead under new leadership, Kohli’s absence will be felt not only in the runs column but also in the dressing room. Whether his departure marks the start of a smooth transition or leaves a lingering void will depend on how quickly the new core of Indian cricket adapts to the demands of the game’s most challenging format.
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