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Ravi Shastri, But No Jay Shah? Virat Kohli Consulted Ex-Confidant Before Hanging Test Cap

Akshita Patel

Inside details on Virat Kohli's Test retirement [Source: @Vkohlic18, @Vipintiwari952/X.com]Inside details on Virat Kohli's Test retirement [Source: @Vkohlic18, @Vipintiwari952/X.com]

In a latest bombshell report from Cricbuzz, Virat Kohli reportedly consulted his former mentor Ravi Shastri before retiring from Test cricket. He was also supposed to meet Jay Shah and Rajeev Shukla, but those meetings were likely shelved due to India-Pakistan border tensions.

Kohli, one of India’s most successful Test players, quit red ball cricket on May 12. He closed the curtains on his 14-year-long career just weeks ahead of the 5-game series against England.

While the sudden decision took the fans and critics by surprise, according to reports, Kohli had been planning his move for a while.

Virat Kohli Turned To Ravi Shastri Before Retirement Call

On May 12, Virat Kohli surprised many when he announced his retirement from Test cricket. But he apparently took a call a long time ago. Moreover, before making his decision public, a report from Cricbuzz says that he had a personal conversation with former India coach Ravi Shastri. 

Kohli and Shastri share a strong bond. The latter was the head coach of the Indian team from 2014 to 2021, most of that time with Kohli as captain. Together, they led India to many great moments, including winning a historic Test series in Australia in 2018–19 and an ODI series in South Africa in 2018. 

Under their leadership, India stayed at the top of the ICC Test rankings for 3 straight years and reached the final of the first ICC World Test Championship in 2021.

Not only that, Virat Kohli was supposed to speak with ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah and another top BCCI official, Rajeev Shukla, as well. However, due to escalating border tensions between India and Pakistan, that meeting reportedly didn’t pan out.

Also, Kohli was likely in touch with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, as the duo reportedly connected twice over a call. 

While BCCI apparently pushed Virat into reconsideration, the veteran didn’t budge as he felt this was the right time to pave the way for young faces.