Even more than a year after Virat Kohli made the tough call to retire from Test cricket, his decision still sparks plenty of debate in the cricketing community. Joining the conversation, the legendary 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev expressed his disappointment over Kohli’s choice to step away from the longest format. Kapil Dev emphasised that he believes the former India captain had plenty of cricket left in him to thrive in Tests. He feels that with a bit more patience and some strong performances, Kohli could have earned another shot, keeping the conversation about his retirement alive even now.
Kapil was disappointed with Kohli’s untimely-retirement as he said, “I wasn’t happy when he retired from Test cricket. It’s not about 10,000 runs or any milestone. I felt that if he had stayed away from reacting in anger for six months, there was every chance he would have played for India again.”
Kohli wrapped up his Test career on May 12, 2025, marking the end of an incredible 14-year journey. He finished with an impressive tally of 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, which includes 30 centuries, all while maintaining an average of over 46. He also holds the title of India’s most successful Test captain, boasting 40 wins in 68 matches. Kapil pointed out that this decision wasn’t just about hitting the 10,000-run milestone; it was about a player who still had the potential to make a significant impact in red-ball cricket if he had chosen to wait a little longer.
Kapil Dev on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli’s 2027 ODI World Cup Chances
Even though Kohli has stepped back from Tests and T20Is, he’s got his sights set on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit Sharma is also expected to be part of India’s preparations. Kapil Dev believes that, “No one should question Rohit and Virat’s age as long as they keep scoring runs. But at this stage of their careers, fitness and form can decline very quickly.”
However, he also pointed out that at this stage in their careers, form and fitness can fluctuate rapidly, making the upcoming ODI series crucial for both of these seasoned players. Kapil also shared his thoughts on Kohli’s fierce competitive spirit. He likened the former India captain to tennis great John McEnroe, noting that some athletes truly shine when fueled by their emotions. He acknowledged that while Kohli’s fiery style might seem over the top to some, it has undeniably been a key factor in his success.
India’s 2027 World Cup Hopes Still Revolve Around Virat Kohli
Kohli is now one of India’s brightest hopes for the 2027 World Cup. With 311 ODIs under his belt, he has amassed an impressive 14,797 runs, boasting an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 93.82. His tally includes 54 centuries and 77 fifties. Kohli’s knack for managing the middle overs, steering tough chases, and mentoring younger players makes him a key figure in India’s strategy.
His performance in ICC knockout matches only adds to his significance. Kohli holds the record for the most runs in limited-overs ICC knockout history, racking up 1,024 runs at an average of 51.2. He has made crucial contributions, scoring 35 in the 2011 World Cup final, 43 in the 2013 Champions Trophy final, a remarkable 117 against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semi-final, and 54 in the 2023 World Cup final. In ODI knockout matches specifically, he has tallied 319 runs at an average of 39.87, which clearly shows why India continues to count on his experience as they gear up for another World Cup journey.
