In a move that left fans and cricket pundits alike in utter disbelief, Virat Kohli announced his abrupt retirement from Test cricket yesterday, just before India’s high-stakes England tour following IPL 2025. The cricketing fraternity was quick to express their admiration and affection for the legend, but none had more to say than former India cricketer and national selector Sarandeep Singh, whose revelations added a surprising twist to Kohli’s unexpected exit.
Sarandeep Singh, who coached the Delhi team during Kohli’s final Ranji Trophy appearance, shared some jaw-dropping insights in a recent interview with PTI. Singh confessed he was blindsided by Kohli’s decision, especially considering their recent discussions during the Ranji clash. “There was no hint (of retirement). Did not even hear from anywhere. Some days ago, I was talking to him, but I did not get any inkling that he was contemplating this. The kind of IPL he’s having, he’s in incredible form,” Singh revealed.
“He Wanted to Dominate England Again” – Sarandeep Singh on Kohli’s Ambitions
Singh further elaborated on Kohli’s mindset, painting a picture of a player still hungry for success. “I asked him if he would play County cricket before the Test matches. He said he wanted to play two India ‘A’ matches before the Test series against England. It was already settled. Suddenly, we hear he will no longer play red-ball cricket. There’s no fitness issue. No form issue. He got one century in Australia, but he was not satisfied. During the Ranji Trophy, he was saying that he wants to score three-four centuries in England because he’s the most senior player in the team.”
When questioned if he saw any signs of Kohli’s retirement, Singh was unequivocal. “Not at all. There was no sign of him retiring from any form of cricket because he was gearing up for red-ball cricket. Even at that time, he was talking about the England series and the Test matches that were coming. He was going to play there,” Singh stated. “And this time, he said he would be very much prepared. He’s going to score maximum hundreds, just like he did in 2018 when he went to England. He scored a lot of runs over there. So, he was well-prepared for the England tour. There was nothing in his demeanor during the Ranji Trophy matches that suggested otherwise. We thought we’d see him on the England tour. He’s one of the most senior players, and the England tour is notoriously tough. Without him, I don’t know how the Indian team will manage now,” Singh concluded.
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