Over a month after shocking the cricketing world with his sudden Test retirement, former India captain Virat Kohli opened up publicly for the first time about his decision, offering a heartfelt and humorous reflection at a charity event for Yuvraj Singh’s YouWeCan Foundation.
Speaking on stage alongside cricketing legends including Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle, and Ravi Shastri, Kohli lightheartedly acknowledged his age and the signs that led him to step away from the longest format of the game.
“I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it’s time when you’re colouring your beard every four days,” Kohli joked, prompting laughter from the crowd.
The 36-year-old, who announced his Test retirement on May 12, 2025, shared this personal insight during a conversation with host Gaurav Kapoor, who noted how much fans miss Kohli on the field.
Gratitude to Ravi Shastri and Memories with Yuvraj Singh
Kohli took the moment to pay tribute to former India head coach Ravi Shastri, crediting him as a pivotal force behind his growth in Test cricket.
“Honestly, if I wasn’t working with him... what happened in Test cricket wouldn’t have been possible,” said Kohli.
“The clarity we had together is very hard to find. Even those press conferences where he took the bullets from the front line — things would’ve been very different without his support.”
Reflecting on his early days in international cricket, Kohli recalled the camaraderie and guidance he received from Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan, who helped him settle into the senior team environment.
“We shared a very good bond on and off the field. They really helped me grow as a player. A lot of fun times off the field, and they made me aware of what it takes to reach the top.”
Emotional Tribute to Yuvraj Singh’s Journey
The event was a tribute to Yuvraj Singh, a cancer survivor and national hero, whose personal journey continues to inspire millions. Kohli reminisced about the 2011 World Cup, where Yuvraj was battling health issues silently, and later made a remarkable comeback after cancer treatment.
“Watching him in the World Cup was very special. What we got to know after that was a shock. But the champion that he is... he came back to the team even when I was captain. That was inspiring.”
Kohli fondly remembered a 2017 ODI in Cuttack, where Yuvraj and MS Dhoni rolled back the years with a stellar partnership after the top order collapsed.
“Yuvi pa got 150, MS scored 110 — I remember telling KL Rahul, this feels like watching cricket in our childhood. Those are moments I’ll never forget.”
One for Yuvraj: “I wouldn’t have done this for anyone else”
In a heartfelt closing, Kohli expressed his deep admiration for Yuvraj Singh.
“It’s a pleasure being here. I wouldn’t have done this for any other person but him.”
Virat Kohli’s remarks — a blend of nostalgia, humour, and gratitude — offered fans a rare glimpse into the personal side of a player who has defined Indian cricket for over a decade.
