Ravi Shastri Reflects on Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement: “I Would Have Made Him Captain Again After Australia”

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has stirred the cricketing world with a bold statement on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, revealing that had he been in charge, he would have reinstated Kohli as captain after India’s historic victory in Australia. Shastri’s comments offer a striking endorsement of Kohli’s leadership and highlight what many believe was a premature end to one of India’s most successful Test captaincies.

Shastri on Kohli’s Leadership

In a recent interview, Shastri expressed deep admiration for Kohli’s tenure as captain and lamented the circumstances under which he stepped down. “If I had anything to do with it, I would have made Virat Kohli captain again after Australia,” said Shastri, referencing India’s remarkable 2–1 Test series win in Australia in 2020–21, achieved against all odds under an injury-depleted squad.

According to Shastri, Kohli’s fierce competitive spirit and ability to rally his team in tough situations made him a natural leader. “He redefined aggression, fitness, and accountability in Indian cricket,” Shastri added.

Kohli’s Test Captaincy Journey

Virat Kohli took over as Test captain in 2014 and led India in 68 matches, winning 40—the most by any Indian Test captain. Under his leadership, India reached the No. 1 spot in ICC Test rankings, won multiple series at home, and registered historic away victories, including in Australia and England.

However, in January 2022, Kohli shocked fans and experts alike by announcing his decision to step down as Test captain, just a day after India’s series loss to South Africa. His announcement followed his earlier removal from ODI captaincy and voluntary resignation from T20I leadership, prompting speculation about strained relations with the BCCI.

The Australia Triumph: A Turning Point

India’s 2020–21 tour of Australia remains one of the greatest comebacks in cricket history. After being bowled out for 36 in the first Test and losing several key players to injury, the Indian team—under the guidance of Shastri and a leadership group including Ajinkya Rahane—bounced back to win the series 2–1. Kohli had returned to India on paternity leave after the first Test but had laid the groundwork for India’s fearless approach. For Shastri, this victory symbolized the kind of spirit Kohli embodied and why he remained an ideal leader.

What This Means for Indian Cricket

Shastri’s remarks reignite the debate around Kohli’s leadership and timing of his exit from Test captaincy. Many believe that Kohli still had much to offer as a leader, particularly with his unmatched fitness standards, passion, and deep cricketing insight. While Rohit Sharma has since taken over the reins, the vacuum left by Kohli’s departure is still a talking point among cricket enthusiasts.