It has been over a year since Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, the decision continues to spark debate among fans and former cricketers. Joining the discussion, 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev admitted he was disappointed to see Kohli leave the top format, insisting the former India skipper still has the ability to represent the country in red-ball cricket.Kohli brought down the curtain on his illustrious Test career on May 12, 2025, ending an incredible 14-year journey. He ended up with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, including 30 centuries, and remains India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches. The veteran batsman retired ahead of India’s tour of England, saying he had “given his all” to the format.Reflecting on Kohli’s decision, Kapil said he would prefer the star batsman to continue playing instead of calling time on his Test career.“I was not happy when he retired from Test cricket. It was not about 10,000 runs or any milestone. I felt that if he had stayed away from the angry reaction for six months, there was every chance that he could play for India again,” Kapil told Sports Tak.
“Come back, work hard and come back”
The legendary all-rounder believes that Kohli should remain patient, even if he faces disappointment from selectors or team management.“If the selectors don’t pick him, it’s okay. If the captain doesn’t pick him, it’s okay. Come back, work hard, score runs in domestic cricket or wherever you play. He should come back because he still has the ability of a Test match player,” said Kapil.Kapil also compared Kohli’s fiery personality to that of tennis legend John McEnroe, suggesting that some elite athletes perform at their best when driven by emotion and confrontation.“He’s got the ability, even if he’s a bit impulsive at times. Looking at Virat, I remember John McEnroe. As long as he is fighting, he will not be able to perform at his best,” Kapil said.“Some players, like Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin, kept their heads down and let their performances do the talking. But others accepted the challenges and thrived with that intensity. That’s why I mentioned McEnroe. He always argued with the umpire. I could never do that, but it was fun to watch,” he added.
Kohli’s focus is now on ODI cricket
Although Kohli has retired from Tests and T20Is, he continues to represent India in ODIs and will feature in the upcoming three ODIs against England starting July 14.