Virat Kohli Jokes On His Test Retirement: 'You Know It's Time When Your Beard...'

Virat Kohli's Test retirement shocked the cricketing world as the former India captain was expected to continue playing the format which he openly called his favourite multiple times during his career. However, ahead of India's tour to England 2025, Kohli decided to call time on his career. He had a terrific Indian Premier League 2025 and fans thought the batter would find consistency in Test cricket as well.

However, Kohli seemingly decided he would not be able to find his mojo back in Test cricket and announced his retirement. For the first time since his decision, the 36-year-old recently talked about why he moved on.

In a charity event for former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh's foundation, YouWeCan, Kohli was told how fans miss him in whites. To this, Kohli gave a cheeky reply.

"I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it's time when you are colouring your beard every four days," said Kohli, as per Times of India.

Apart from his reply on his retirement, Kohli also talked about Ravi Shastri with whom he formed a formidable captain-coach duo for a long time.

"Honestly, if I wasn't working with him... what happened in Test cricket wouldn't have been possible. The clarity which we had together is very hard to find. It's everything for cricketers to grow in their careers. Even he hadn't backed me the way he did... those press conferences where he took the bullets from the front line. Things would have been different and I always have respect and regard for him, for being a massive part of my cricketing journey," Kohli said about Shastri who was also present at the event.

The Indian cricket team, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, was in attendance at the event. Apart from Shastri, Sachin Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen, Brian Lara, Chris Gayle and Ashish Nehra were also part of the gathering.