Retirement of Virat Kohli: Prior to his unexpected retirement from Test cricket, former India head coach Ravi Shastri spoke candidly about his chat with Virat Kohli. At the age of 36, Virat announced his retirement from the game’s longest format on Instagram on Monday.

Both his supporters and most of the cricket community were taken aback by Virat’s choice, but Shastri revealed some intriguing insights into the star batter’s thoughts. Notably, Virat was anticipated to be included in the Indian squad for their crucial forthcoming visit to England, where a five-match Test series between the two sides would take place.

“I did speak to him about it (retirement), I think a week before that (his announcement), and his mind was very clear that he’d given us everything,” Shastri told The ICC Review.

“No regrets were expressed. I asked him one or two questions, and because it was a private talk, he answered them completely and without reservation, which led me to conclude that the moment was appropriate. His body has received a signal from his mind to go.

Virat ended his brilliant 14-year career in his preferred format. He was India’s fourth-highest run scorer in Test cricket at the end of his career. After playing in 123 Test matches for India, Virat amassed 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 hundreds and 31 fifties. In addition, the seasoned batsman set a record by winning 40 Test matches while captaining India in 68 matches.

“If he decided to do something, then he gave his 100%, which is not easy to match,” remarked Shastri. “On an individual basis, as a batsman and a bowler.”

“After a player completes his task, you may relax. However, it seems as if Kohli must take every wicket, catch every catch, and make every decision on the field while the team is out.

“That much involvement, I would think there’s going to be a burnout somewhere if he doesn’t take a rest; if he doesn’t compartmentalize how much he wants to play across formats, there is bound to be a burnout.”

According to Shastri, that fatigue was exacerbated by the demands of Kohli’s fame and the ongoing attention.

“He has received praise all across the world.” He has more fans than any other cricket player in the past ten years,” Shastri said. He just got people to watch the game, whether it was in South Africa or Australia. A love-hate relationship existed.

Because he could also get under the viewer’s skin, they would get irate. He was so intense in his celebration that it was almost rash, you know.

It immediately spread among cricket fans watching in their living rooms as well as in the dressing room. He had a contagious personality then.

Shastri said that he was taken aback by Kohli’s choice, even after speaking with him. “Virat surprised me because I thought he had at least two or three years of Test match cricket left in him,” he said.

However, your body warns you when you’re overdone and psychologically fried. You may be the most physically fit person in the company. You may be more fit than half of the guys on your squad, but, as they say, good mental health sends a message to the body. You understand that.”