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"Easy For Outsiders To.." Sachin Tendulkar Breaks Silence On Virat Kohli's Test Retirement

Akshita Patel

Sachin Tendulkar reacts to Virat Kohli's Test retirement [Source: @mufaddal_vohral, @KohliArchives/X.com]Sachin Tendulkar reacts to Virat Kohli's Test retirement [Source: @mufaddal_vohral, @KohliArchives/X.com]

India's legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has finally spoken about Virat Kohli’s shocking retirement from Test cricket, stating that it was a personal decision and outsiders should not dwell on it. Kohli announced his decision back in May 2025, just prior to the India-England Test series.

In a bombshell social media post, Kohli announced his retirement from the Test format on May 12. His decision surprised fans and experts alike, especially because he was just 770 runs short of reaching 10,000 runs in Test cricket, a milestone that very few players have achieved.

What Does Sachin Tendulkar Think Of Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement?

Virat Kohli ended his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, averaging 46.85. His passion for Test cricket was well known, which made the decision even more difficult for fans to digest. 

Reacting to the news, Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record for the most Test runs (15,921) and most centuries (51), shared his views in a calm and respectful manner. 

Speaking to BBC Sports and quoted by Zee News, Sachin said that Kohli’s retirement is a personal decision and no one from outside should judge it. He also clarified that only the person knows their own mindset and how their body is reacting to the requirements of Test cricket.

"It's a personal decision. So you know it is easy for an outsider to just pass a loose comment and say, then OK, he shouldn't have done whatever that maybe. An individual understands the state of mind, how the body is responding to the longer format of the game. And it's a personal decision, so it wouldn't be right for me to, you know, make any comment on that," Sachin said.

Will Kohli Consider Coming Out Of Test Retirement?

Michael Clarke believes Virat Kohli could reverse his Test retirement if India suffer a heavy series loss in England. The former Aussie skipper said fans, selectors, and the captain could urge Kohli to return, especially if India lose 5-0. 

"I believe this. If India go to England and get flogged, if they lose the series 5-0 for example, I think the fans will want Virat Kohli to come out of retirement and play Test cricket again. And I honestly, I think if he was asked by captain, selectors and supported by fans, if they get beaten big time in England, I think he'll come. He still loves Test cricket. I think his words, I think those words, like you could hear his passion for Test cricket is real," Clarke said on Beyond23 podcast.

Clarke added that Kohli still loves Test cricket and has enough left to contribute at the highest level.