Why did Virat Kohli retire from Test cricket? He just dropped the biggest hint yet on the RCB podcast

Just a few days ago, Virat Kohli grabbed headlines after scoring a stunning IPL century following two consecutive ducks. Now, the RCB star has once again become the centre of discussion after making a bold statement about his Test retirement amid the ongoing IPL 2026 buzz.

Speaking on an RCB podcast hosted by Mayanti Langer, the Indian batting stalwart finally opened up about his decision to retire from Test cricket more than a year ago. The 37-year-old appeared to hint that the team management and selectors still wanted him to constantly prove his place despite his full commitment to the game.

Kohli explained that his mindset had become very clear at that stage of his career and that he was no longer in a space where he needed to prove his worth to anyone. He also hinted at inconsistent communication and “ups and downs” behind the scenes as he now focuses on preparations for the 2027 World Cup.

Watch the special video here:

video credit: - Aditya Saha/ @AdityakrsahaX

What did Virat Kohli say about Test cricket on the RCB podcast with Mayanti Langer?

Speaking on the RCB Podcast with popular sports presenter Mayanti Langer, Virat Kohli opened up about his mindset regarding Test cricket and his decision to step away from the format.

“You know, as I said today, my perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I’m a part of and the environment feels like I can add value, I’ll be seen. If I’m made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space because I’m being honest to my preparation. I’m being honest to how I approach the game,” Kohli said.

See also -Watch: Virat Kohli hails Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 'good enough lengths' as key to RCB's IPL 2026 success

The former India captain also spoke about his work ethic and gratitude towards the game. “I put my head down. I work hard. I am very thankful to God for giving me everything that I have been given in my cricketing career. I feel very blessed and grateful for the opportunity. And when I arrive to play, I put my head down,” he added.

Notably, Kohli played his final Test match during India’s tour of Australia in the 2024-25 season before officially announcing his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025. The veteran batter endured a difficult tour despite scoring a century in the second innings of the series opener in Perth.

During the series, Kohli’s struggles outside the off stump were repeatedly exposed by the Australian pacers, especially Scott Boland, whose disciplined line and length troubled the veteran batter throughout the tour. Kohli eventually finished the series with 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75.

'Test cricket is five levels above everything' — Kohli opens up a year after saying goodbye to the whites

Former India captain Virat Kohli became emotional while speaking about his deep connection with Test cricket, the format he has often called the purest form of the game.

“Test cricket has always been five levels above everything else. It shaped me not only as a cricketer but also as a person,” Kohli said during the conversation. The batting great reflected on how the longest format helped build his discipline, character, and reputation across the cricketing world.

See also -Watch: Virat Kohli reflects on ‘folding hands’ reaction after winning IPL 2025 for RCB

Speaking with pride and nostalgia, Kohli added, “If you perform in Test cricket, you earn respect worldwide. People look you in the eye and say, well done.” One of the most emotional moments of the discussion came when Kohli admitted that even Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL triumph could not match the feeling and value he associates with Test cricket.

Virat Kohli's Test career: Legacy, records and greatest moments

The Delhi-born cricketer shocked fans when he announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2025. Until now, Kohli had remained silent about the reasons behind his decision. Widely regarded as India’s most successful Test captain, he led the team to 40 victories in 68 matches and transformed India into one of the strongest red-ball sides in the world.

Under Kohli’s leadership, India achieved several historic milestones. The biggest came during the 2018-19 season when India won a Test series in Australia for the first time in history. Kohli also became the most successful Asian captain in countries like South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. His aggressive mindset and fearless approach completely changed India’s attitude in overseas conditions.

Kohli’s impact was not limited to results alone. His strong emphasis on fitness and discipline changed the culture inside the Indian dressing room. India became a team that played with intensity, confidence, and aggression in every condition. Reflecting on that phase, Kohli said, “We were young, we wanted to create a team for the next six, seven, eight years. What can I do to make the team better? So people started asking questions of themselves.”

Although India could not win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final 2021 after losing to New Zealand national cricket team, many believe Indian Test cricket reached its peak under Kohli’s captaincy. With 123 Tests, 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and 31 half-centuries, Kohli leaves behind a remarkable legacy. More than the numbers, he will be remembered for the passion, energy, and fighting spirit he brought to Test cricket, cementing his place as one of India’s greatest-ever Test captains.

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