Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has reignited the conversation surrounding Virat Kohli’s surprising decision to step away from Test cricket. After Kohli’s dynamic 43-run performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2025 match on Friday, Sehwag expressed his firm belief that the star batter ended his red-ball career too soon.
Speaking about the 36-year-old cricketer’s continued fitness and high-energy gameplay, Sehwag commented, “Yes definitely I believe Virat Kohli retired too early from Test cricket. With the kind of fitness he possesses he could have easily played for another two years at the highest level. But ultimately it’s his personal choice and only he knows the exact reason behind such a call.”
Kohli’s unexpected retirement from Test cricket last week stunned the cricketing community. With an impressive record of 123 matches and 9230 runs in the format he led India with passion and discipline. However his recent IPL performance at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow reminded fans of his enduring class and intensity.
During the match against SRH Kohli scored a quickfire 43 off just 25 balls including two elegant boundaries against pacer Harshal Patel. Despite his efforts and a strong 62-run innings by Phil Salt Royal Challengers Bengaluru fell short in their chase getting bowled out for 189 and losing by 42 runs to Sunrisers Hyderabad who had posted a commanding 231 for 6.
Hyderabad’s batting lineup was spearheaded by Ishan Kishan whose unbeaten 94 off 48 balls featuring seven boundaries and five maximums laid the foundation for a massive total. Contributions from Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head gave SRH a solid start while Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the middle order.
In the bowling department Hyderabad executed their plans perfectly. Skipper Pat Cummins played a pivotal role with figures of 3 for 28 while Eshan Malinga added valuable support with 2 for 37. Their disciplined bowling dismantled RCB’s middle order and prevented any serious recovery despite individual brilliance from the top order.
Sehwag’s remarks add another layer of intrigue to Kohli’s retirement as fans and analysts continue to debate whether the cricketing icon could have extended his red-ball career further.
