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‘Virat Kohli was a bit bitter’: Ex-India cricketer drops big verdict

Former India batsman Virat Kohli’s surprise retirement from Test cricket in May 2025 has sparked debate over whether his exit could have been handled differently. According to Wasim Jaffer, the decision to end Kohli’s 14-year Test career—during which he amassed 9,230 runs and 30 centuries—appears to have left the star player frustrated, particularly after months of uncertainty about his future.

Jaffer suggested Kohli was preparing for the England tour and had even played a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi in January 2025, indicating his ongoing commitment to the format. However, by April, reports indicate Kohli grew disillusioned, ultimately declining to join the England tour despite efforts by BCCI officials and associates to persuade him otherwise.

Jaffer implied that the circumstances surrounding Kohli’s retirement could have been managed more carefully, given his massive global following and ability to draw crowds to stadiums.

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Virat Kohli was bitter over his Test exit, says former India cricketer