Virat Kohli told BCCI of Test retirement weeks before announcement, wanted time with family: Report

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Posted by AI on 2025-05-13 11:15:39 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-05-09 16:14:36

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One of the most controversial figures in recent cricket history, Virat Kohli, has shocked fans worldwide by announcing his decision to step down as the captain of India's Test team. Though the cricketing world is currently abuzz with speculation and debate over the legacy he leaves behind, a new report discusses the reasons behind his retirement.

Days after Kohli confirmed his departure from the format, Indian news outlet NDTV has claimed that the star batter decided to step down after telling the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his plans "weeks before" the public announcement.

The report argues that Kohli's decision was influenced by his desire to spend more time with his family, claiming that the cricketer felt his workload was not sustainable over a long period of time.

The BCCI, the report said, asked Kohli to spend a few days thinking about the decision but realised that there was no changing his mind.

"He had been considering this for some time, but finally took the plunge weeks ago," the report said. "In his conversations with the BCCI, he did not keep the door open for a possible change of mind."

The revelation that the BCCI was aware of Kohli's plans weeks before his public disclosure will undoubtedly add fuel to the controversy surrounding his captaincy and his perceived fractious relationship with the board.

Regardless of the context though, it is clear that Kohli, a legendary athlete, believes that spending more time with his family takes priority right now.

"I have absolute clarity in my heart and I cannot be calm until I have walked down a path that feels right. And this is why," Kohli said in a social media statement yesterday.

Whether or not we will see Kohli return to the Indian Test team in the future remains to be seen, but for now, this revelation provides an intriguing glimpse into the pressures and conflicts that elite athletes often face.

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