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On Monday, May 12, star India batter and former captain of the Men in Blue, Virat Kohli put down curtains on his illustrious Test career, spanning over 14 years. The 36-year-old took to social media to announce retirement, days after his retirement rumours had hit the roof after he had reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his decision.
Just after Virat Kohli’s unexpected decision, the entire Indian cricketing community was left shell-shocked and the stalwart’s Delhi and Ranji coach, Sarandeep Singh was no exception. Following the announcement, the former India spinner revealed his close equation with the Indian batter, while making a suprising revelation.
He did not think of retirement when he came to play Ranji: Sarandeep SIngh reveals
While speaking to PTI, Kohli’s coach Sarandeep was inquired if the Indian batter was thinking of retirement to which he quickly replied, “Not at all.” “He came to play red-ball cricket (in Ranji Trophy), so he had no thinking like that. Even at that time, he was talking about the England series with the Test matches that are coming. So, he was going to play there,” the ex-India spinner added.
Highlighting on how Kohli was prepping for the upcoming England tour, Singh continued, “And this time, he would be very much prepared. He said he was going to score maximum hundred, which he did the last time in 2018 when he went to England. He scored a lot of runs over there. There was nothing like that when he came to play Ranji Trophy matches.”
“We thought that we would see him on the England tour. He is one of the most senior players. Especially, the England tour is very tough. So without him, I don’t know how the Indian team will manage now,” Sarandeep Singh added.
It is to be noted, the veteran Indian batter retired from the longest format, marking an end to his 14-year career in the format. In 123 Tests he has played for the Indian team, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries to his name. He also ended his test stint as India’s most successful captain ever, having won 40 out of 68 Tests. Moreover, with the 36-year-old retiring from Tests and T20Is, he will aim to prolong his career in 50-over format.
