Sehwag revisited Virat Kohli’s Test retirement decision following the batter’s brisk 43-run knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday.
Sehwag Believes Kohli Retired Too Early from Tests Despite Strong IPL Form
Virender Sehwag has once again voiced his concern over Virat Kohli’s surprise decision to retire from Test cricket, arguing that the former India captain still had plenty to offer in the longest format. Sehwag pointed to Kohli’s recent IPL 2025 performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad—where he scored a fluent 43 off 25 balls—as evidence of his continued fitness and form.
“Definitely. I feel he retired too early from the Test format. He could’ve played easily for two years, the way he maintains fitness,” Sehwag said. “But only Virat Kohli can tell the reasons behind the decision. It’s a player’s personal decision based on his will, or whether he feels exhausted.”
Kohli’s unexpected retirement last week marked the end of a glittering Test career—123 matches, 9,230 runs, and countless iconic moments. Yet, his energy and composure at the crease during the high-scoring match at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium once again stirred debate about whether he walked away too soon. Despite Kohli’s innings and a strong opening stand with Phil Salt, Royal Challengers Bengaluru ultimately fell 42 runs short of SRH’s massive 231/6, bowled out for 189.
Ishan’s superb knock
Ishan Kishan led Hyderabad’s charge with a scintillating unbeaten 94 off just 48 balls, laced with seven fours and five sixes, as the side posted a daunting total against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His aggressive strokeplay built on early contributions from Abhishek Sharma (34) and Travis Head (17), while a steady partnership with Heinrich Klaasen helped Hyderabad recover after initial setbacks.