As Indian cricket continues to absorb the shock of Virat Kohli’s exit from Test and T20 formats, a more definitive truth is beginning to emerge — once Kohli retires for good, he may disappear from cricket altogether. The legendary batter is currently focusing on ODIs and has set his sights on the 2027 World Cup, which is expected to be his final hurrah on the international stage.
At 36, Kohli stepped away from Test cricket, stunning fans and fellow cricketers alike. If he does make it to 2027, Kohli will be 39 — and, as always, he appears determined not to overstay his welcome in the game he has graced for nearly two decades.
The idea of Kohli appearing in post-retirement roles — commentary, coaching, or even T20 leagues like the IPL — seems unlikely. “Once I’m gone, I’ll be gone,” Kohli had declared at a recent RCB event. Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who shared a strong rapport with Kohli during his tenure, echoed the sentiment.
“He is not the kind who would like to coach or take on the role of a broadcaster. Virat will walk away once he’s done playing,” Shastri told Sportstar. “I’ll miss him most when India plays its first Test in England.”
Shastri, under whom India saw some of its finest overseas performances, believes Kohli could have continued in Test cricket for at least two more years. However, he speculates mental fatigue may have played a critical role in Kohli’s decision.
“He was fit as ever, but burnout could have been the decisive factor. Only he knows what drove him to step away. Still, his passion, fire, and unmatched intensity will be hard to replace.”
Reflecting on Kohli’s legacy, Shastri didn’t hold back praise. He called Kohli “the most influential cricketer of the last decade”, a player who drew crowds to Test matches, took on the world’s best bowlers head-on, and never shied away from raw emotions on the field.
“His celebrations, his passion, the way he backed his teammates — those moments will stay with fans forever,” Shastri added.
As cricket gears up for the post-Kohli era, fans are urged to cherish the remaining moments of his career — for once he walks away, it may truly be the end of an era, both on and off the field.
