Adam Gilchrist hails Virat Kohli’s retirement timing ahead of England series

Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Adam Gilchrist lauded Virat Kohli for his perfect retirement timing ahead of England tour. Kohli amassed 9230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. In the last 69 Test innings since 2020, Kohli had managed only 2028 runs at an average of 30.72, including just three centuries.

Furthermore, Kohli could only score 190 runs in five Test matches against Australia at an average of 23.75 in the Border-Gavaskar series. The talisman had not performed consistently in the last five years and thus his decision made sense.

Speaking to Sports Yaari, Adam Gilchrist said, “Many people would probably think that if he kept playing Tests, he would find another hundred or two somewhere. But it isn’t with the same lofty standards that he had set for so long. We have seen a bit of a drop from that in recent years, and he’s probably acknowledged that. He’s nothing to prove to anyone.”

“I’m really happy for him that he came to the decision himself. He didn’t ride a period of speculations where a lot is said in the press, and you’re judged by external voices. I made my decision during a game and announced it a day later! He obviously had a bit more time to think about it post the Australian series. I really like that he’s come to a decision.”

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli lifted his first IPL title after a long wait of 18 years as RCB defeated Punjab Kings in the final at Ahmedabad. 

On the other hand, the young Indian players would look to grab their opportunities with both hands after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement. 

India would take on England in the first Test at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.