Kohli Not Backed by Selectors Amid Form Concerns Since 2019

Virat Kohli announced his retirement from test cricket on May 12 by posting an emotional message on his Instagram. He mentioned in his post that he was grateful for the game and that he gave it everything he had. However, there was no information on why he suddenly decided to retire. Since then, numerous speculations have taken over the internet.

Kaif’s Viewpoint on the Situation

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif seems to think that Kohli was prepared for the upcoming series in England on June 20. He highlighted that Kohli displayed his commitment by playing in the Ranji Trophy after returning from the Australia tour. However, Kaif felt that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee did not fully back Kohli, raising concerns about his recent form and his spot in the Test team.

“I think he wanted to continue in the format. There must have been some internal talks with the BCCI, the selectors may have cited his form in the past 5-6 years and told him his spot in the team may no longer be there. We will never find out what happened, it is very difficult to guess what actually took place behind the scenes.”

“But given the last-minute decision, having played the Ranji trophy, I definitely think he wanted to come back in the upcoming Tests. The developments in the last few weeks, he may have not gotten the support he thought he will get from BCCI and selectors, which he may not have gotten,” Kaif was quoted by NDTV.

‘There used to be a different level of patience’

Kaif believed that Kohli’s unusual approach in Australia might have been a hint that he was done with the format.

“In the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he looked in a hurry to score runs. You have to stay out for hours and grind in Test cricket, which he has done in the past, but the constant edging of the ball moving away from him while attempting to drive made me feel his patience was a bit less,” he added.

“Maybe he was thinking ‘I am in the last phase of my career what’s the point of scoring a gritty century, there used to be a different level of patience on display from him before, he used to leave the balls, take his time, tire the bowlers and then took them down but I did not see that from him in Australia’.”

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