Ravi Shastri Hints Virat Kohli Wanted Temporary Return as India Test Captain

The Unfinished Chapter in Kohli’s Test Career

Among all the high-profile decisions Virat Kohli made in the last four years, stepping down as India’s Test captain in early 2022 remains the most surprising. While his recent retirement from Test cricket last month was a momentous announcement, many had anticipated it due to his prolonged lean patch and India’s underwhelming performances in the recent series against New Zealand (home) and Australia (away).

However, the shock of Kohli relinquishing Test captaincy after India’s 1-2 series loss in South Africa two years ago eclipsed even his earlier decision to quit T20I captaincy before the 2021 World Cup. Given India’s dominance in red-ball cricket under Kohli’s leadership, many believed there was still unfinished business.

DESIRE TO RETURN AFTER AUSTRALIA TOUR

Rumors resurfaced earlier this year that Kohli was open to returning as a stop-gap Test captain following India's disappointing Test series in Australia. These speculations gained traction with reports suggesting that a senior player attempted to take charge and rally the team after successive defeats. This happened during a critical phase of the tour when Rohit Sharma reportedly opted out of the playing XI for the final Test.

SHASTRI SUPPORTS KOHLI’S RETURN

Now, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in, essentially confirming that Kohli was indeed interested in leading India once more albeit temporarily.

"If I had anything to do with it, I would have made him captain straightaway after the Australia series," Shastri said in a video shared by SonyLiv. He was candid in expressing that Kohli’s experience and stature could have helped stabilize the side during a turbulent phase.

SELECTORS OPT FOR LONG-TERM LEADERSHIP

According to reports, Kohli's interest was taken seriously and discussed by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel. However, the selectors eventually decided to chart a longer-term vision and handed over the red-ball leadership to rising star Shubman Gill instead of appointing a stop-gap captain.

KOHLI’S TEST LEGACY AND EMOTIONAL EXIT

Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket just days before the Indian squad was named for the five-match series against England. He concluded his illustrious Test career with 123 matches, 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, and 30 centuries numbers that speak volumes but still don’t entirely capture his influence on the game.

Shastri expressed deep admiration and a tinge of regret over how Kohli’s Test journey ended.

"Virat’s retirement is a sad moment. He’s been a great player, a true ambassador for Test cricket, especially in overseas conditions. What he achieved at Lord’s and the resilience of that team was unreal. I’m fortunate to have been part of that era," Shastri reflected.

He added, "It feels sudden. I think it could have been handled better, with clearer communication."