Kapil Dev Calls Virat Kohli's Test Retirement Premature

Former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket in May 2025 continues to draw commentary from the sport's legends, with World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev recently expressing his belief that the decision was premature and driven by emotion. Kohli concluded his 14-year Test career with 9,230 runs from 123 matches, falling short of the 10,000-run milestone, and stepped down just ahead of India's squad selection for a five-match Test series in England.

Kapil Dev, speaking on a podcast with Sports Tak, stated he was disappointed by the retirement, arguing that Kohli still possessed the ability to play at the highest level. He suggested that even if selectors had temporarily overlooked him, Kohli should have taken time to work his way back into the team through domestic cricket rather than retiring in anger. "It is not about 10,000 runs," Kapil Dev said. "I feel he should have given himself six months and not quit based on anger. You will not get the chance to play again... He still has the ability to play Test cricket. He can play even now. But I feel it was a premature retirement."

The legendary all-rounder emphasized that performance and fitness, not age,...