Ravi Shastri, who used to coach India, said he would have made Virat Kohli the Test captain again right after the series with Australia if he was in charge. This happened after Kohli’s unexpected retirement from Test cricket, a decision that has surprised many in Indian cricket.
The timing, the quiet, and what happened next have confused fans and experts. Kohli leaving—after Rohit Sharma quietly stepped down—signaled the end of a time, and Shastri’s words now spark the question: Was Kohli the right person to guide India into a new Test phase?
[TRENDING] “Should’ve Been Captain Again”: Shastri Drops a Bombshell
Yes, you heard that right! Ravi Shastri, known for his no-nonsense takes, has said he would’ve made Virat Kohli captain again after the Australia tour. Speaking to Sony Sports in a new docu-series, Shastri revealed he believed Kohli’s retirement “could have been handled better” and that he was saddened by the way it unfolded.
India had just wrapped up a hard-fought series in Australia, where Kohli, despite a strong start with a century in Perth, struggled in the final matches—particularly outside off stump. Despite this form dip, Shastri insists Kohli still had leadership fuel left in the tank.
But virat never won an icc trophy during his captaincy period
— VANSH SONI❁ (@iamvanshsoni) June 11, 2025
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[UPDATE] The Captaincy Carousel: Rohit Out, Gill In
The report also stated that Rohit Sharma had stepped down from Test captaincy ahead of the final match in Australia, citing poor form. The situation grew more dramatic during IPL 2025, when selectors were already eyeing a transition, confirming Rohit’s quiet exit from red-ball leadership.
Soon after, Virat Kohli shocked everyone by informing the BCCI in April that he was done with Test cricket. Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar confirmed Kohli’s decision was personal and final. “He probably felt he had given everything,” Agarkar said.
Kohli’s Test journey ended with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, 30 centuries, and a legacy built like a fortress. With the twin exits of Rohit and Kohli, Shubman Gill now takes the helm as India’s Test captain, starting with the England series on June 20 in Leeds.
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] Kohli’s Test Career: A Tale of Fire, Fight, and Farewell
Reports say that Kohli loved Test cricket more than anything else. He wasn’t just a great runner—he was a leader for the style, especially on trips abroad.
Shastri said, “Numbers don’t show the full picture… he was a true representative of Test cricket, especially in how he played in other countries.”
Even though he wasn’t playing his best later on, Kohli’s role in the team was about more than just stats. His energy, drive, and commitment made him the core of India’s red-ball team.
In addition, his retirement makes sense on paper, but it has created an empty space inside. People are already asking for a return.
[REPORT] Behind Closed Doors: Was It Mishandled?
People were surprised by when and how Kohli talked about his retirement. Shastri was not happy with how things were handled, saying there should have been more talking.
“When you leave, that’s when people see how important he was,” he said. Likewise, his idea shows a chance that was lost for an easier change—and maybe one last chance with Kohli as captain.
Amit Mishra’s Commentary:
Kohli’s retirement feels like a story ending too early from a great tale. He left in a good way, with great energy and a strong memory that will stay with us. On the other hand, the suddenness and confusion seemed like a lost chance—for fans, for teammates, and for the game itself.
Moreover, Shastri’s comment shows more than just a longing for the past; it points out a bigger problem in how we change leaders now. As India starts a new test time with Shubman Gill, we can only hope that the lessons from this change are not missed in the numbers.
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