In a heartfelt revelation, former India head coach Ravi Shastri confirmed that Virat Kohli spoke to him just a week before announcing his retirement from Test cricket, surprising fans and the cricket fraternity alike. Kohli, who scored 9,230 runs with 30 centuries, told Shastri he had “no regrets” and that his “mind had spoken to his body.”

Shastri acknowledged that Kohli's all consuming commitment and intense leadership style may have led to mental burnout. Despite believing Kohli had 2-3 years left, Shastri supported his decision, praising his legacy of transforming Indian Test cricket.

The Kohli-Shastri era redefined India's dominance, with historic wins in Australia, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. Kohli's retirement marks the end of an iconic chapter, one driven by passion, grit, and unrelenting standards.