Did an IPL Dismissal Reveal Kohli’s Test Retirement Reason?

Mullanpur: Virat Kohli’s intense presence at the recent IPL Qualifier 1 match in Mullanpur, passionately celebrating every Punjab Kings wicket, evoked a sense of “vintage Kohli.” However, this familiar sight also brought a sobering realization: such moments will no longer occur in Test cricket. With only one match remaining before a four-month hiatus, Kohli’s unexpected Test retirement means his next appearance on the field will be on October 19, when India embarks on a limited-overs tour of Australia, featuring three ODIs and five T20Is.

Eighteen days on, the reality of Kohli’s permanent departure from Test cricket for India remains a difficult pill to swallow for many. Yet, a closer look at last night’s IPL clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings might offer a clue to his decision: the recurring struggle with deliveries outside the off-stump. Reports indicate that in early April, Kohli communicated his intention to retire from Test cricket to the BCCI and its chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar. While the decision sparked considerable debate, at 36, it seemed baffling for India’s most successful Test captain to take such a step. Or was there a clear rationale?

Indeed, as difficult as it may be to accept, Kohli’s dismissal in the IPL match inadvertently shed light on his decision. After a quickfire 12 runs, including a boundary off his first ball, Kohli edged a Josh Hazlewood delivery outside off-stump to Josh Inglis. Fans expressed disappointment, noting that this particular mode of dismissal, which has frequently plagued Kohli in Test cricket, now appears to be affecting his white-ball game too. Social media reactions quickly followed, highlighting this persistent vulnerability.

Virat Kohli’s Off-Stump Struggles

Kohli has been dismissed by balls outside the off-stump over 20 times in Test cricket, accounting for all eight of his dismissals in Australia. During the nine innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli remained unbeaten with 100 not out in the second innings of the Perth Test, but in all other instances, he edged deliveries to either slips or wicketkeeper Alex Carey. This vulnerability often left Kohli appearing helpless. In what became his final dismissal in Test cricket, Kohli was seen visibly frustrated, smashing his bat on his pads after edging a Scott Boland delivery to Steve Smith at second slip.

If reports are accurate, it was this moment that solidified Kohli’s decision to retire. He reportedly declared, “I am done,” after India’s 1-3 series defeat to Australia. While initially not taken seriously by many, the subsequent months confirmed that Kohli’s statement was indeed earnest. Over time, Kohli’s dominant bottom hand, once a significant asset, evolved into a weakness due to his inability to counter deliveries outside the off-stump. Although he masterfully curbed this issue during India’s 2018 tour of England while he was captain, age and slowing reflexes can make certain aspects of play challenging to control, despite immense effort. Just as Sourav Ganguly faced challenges with the short ball, Joe Root with incoming swinging deliveries, and MS Dhoni with top-quality spin, for Kohli, this particular vulnerability ultimately played a role in his decision.