Virat Kohli’s old remarks on knowing when to quit go viral after retirement: 'Will never drag myself..'

Virat Kohli (Pic: AFP)

Virat Kohli bid farewell to Test cricket on Monday, declaring he had 'given it everything' as he followed Rohit Sharma in stepping away from the red-ball format. The announcement comes just days before India is set to unveil its squad for the highly anticipated tour of England.

Widely regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation, Kohli departs with an illustrious record, 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an impressive average of 46.85, etched into the legacy of Indian cricket.

"It's been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket," Kohli wrote on Instagram. "Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It's tested me, shaped me and taught me lessons I'll carry for life. As I step away from this format, it's not easy - but it feels right. I've given it everything I had and it's given me back so much more than I could've hoped for."

Several media reports on Saturday, May 10, indicated that the 36-year-old had formally communicated his intent to retire from Test cricket to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Following the announcement, an old interview of Kohli resurfaced on social media, where he candidly spoke about the core of his motivation. During an episode of Breakfast with Champions, host Gaurav Kapoor asked Kohli what fuels his desire to continue. Kohli replied with his signature clarity and conviction, underscoring his belief that the hunger to win was his greatest source of inspiration.

"Motivation is just about winning. Jis din passion khatam ho gaya (The day my passion ends), I'll stop playing. I'll never want to drag myself for more than what my body can take. Jis din I feel like why am I standing on the field like what am I doing, woh passion nahin hai jeetne ka (that passion of winning is not there), woh energy nahin hai jeetne ki (that energy to win is not there), main nahin khel sakta hoon (I can't play). Then that will just be a participation thing, woh skill hai, khelne ka idea hai toh run bana diye (the skill is there, I scored runs for the sake of it). If I can't contribute to the thing, I won't play," he said.

Kohli, who served as India's most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches, relinquished leadership duties in 2022. Known for his intensity and unyielding drive, Kohli averaged nearly 55 between 2011 and 2019. However, his recent performances dipped, with an average of just 32.56 over the past two years, prompting speculation over his red-ball future.