“That Formed Virat Kohli’s Retirement Decision”- Naseer Hussain Fires Controversy

Even after three days of Virat Kohli’s sudden Test retirement, fans are not over it. Most former players and coaches have lauded the veteran for developing India as the Test side on the world map, recalling their 2018/19 series victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) down under.

England's former captain Naseer Hussain has made a deep reflection on what the Delhi-born has done in his 14-year journey, especially in the longest format, not only for the Blue Brigade but for the format.

“Aura, swagger and passion”- Nasser Hussain describes Virat Kohli

Praising his impact on the dying format, the former Essex batter has touched on the aura, swag, and passion the 36-year-old displayed in his career. Kohli finished just 770 runs short of the 10k Test club, with 30 centuries.

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The timing was weird, coming just a couple of days after Rohit Sharma announced the same, pushing the national side to tour England with an inexperienced squad for the five-match red-ball series. The absence of both these pillars will be a massive hole for the future generation.

Under Virat, India gained 40 victories in 68 clashes and achieved the number one ranking for an impressive amount of three and a half years.

Hussain explained how passionate the Indian team is with their performance, and Kohli has embodied the passion for the game in this country.

“I have been a massive Virat Kohli fan over the last 14 years – his stats speak for themselves – but he was so much more than that. It was his aura, swagger, and passion.” The former England captain was addressed during a Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.

“We know Indian cricket fans, and the game means so much to them. They want their captain to show them what it means to the team, and no one embodied that passion for cricket in India more than Kohli.” He shed light.

Hussain touched on the intensity Kohli injected on the Test side and how the entire side lived up to it.

“Virat Kohli was an unbelievable player and took India to No. 1 in the world, and they stayed there for about 42 months. He completely changed the way they play cricket. Whoever takes on that mantle has got something to live up to.” Nasser concluded.

“Virat Kohli doesn’t want to be a normal cricketer”- Nasser Hussain

The former England batter finds it difficult to accept Virat Kohli as a normal player, and that could have played its role in him calling time a little earlier than expected.

“He is the ultimate winner; he sees the end goal as a win, and he is desperate for that. Everything for Kohli is about winning. Why do you think he's so good at run chases?” The renowned commentator narrated.

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“He can't go on the field and not be a hundred per cent; he can not ever go: 'I'll just do my best today.' That may have formed part of his retirement decision, he doesn't want to be a normal cricketer, just doing a little bit here and there. He made India into the force they are today.” Virat Kohli explained.

India to tour England with an inexperienced squad

In Rohit’s absence, the national selectors are expected to announce Shubman Gill as their next Test captain. They will also need to find a couple of young batters for the playing eleven.

India, which failed to qualify for the WTC 2023-25 final, will be eager to better its performances in the fourth cycle, starting from the England series.