India’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, opened up about Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket, revealing that Kohli had informed the board as early as April—weeks before the announcement went public in May. Speaking during the squad announcement for India’s upcoming five-Test series in England, Agarkar addressed the shock waves sent by the retirements of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the longest format of the game. Agarkar made it clear that Kohli’s retirement was his own choice, with no pressure from selectors or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The cricketing fraternity had been speculating about Kohli’s future, especially after Rohit Sharma’s exit from Tests. Yet, the news still came as a surprise, given Kohli’s stature and the importance of the England tour. Agarkar said, “When guys like that retire, always big holes to fill. Ashwin also retired. Those three have been stalwarts. Always difficult. One way of looking at it is, opportunity for someone else. Had conversations with both of them.' Praising Virat Kohli's commitments, Agarkar further said, "Virat reached out early April, seen him give 200% every ball he plays even when he's not batting or on the field. Felt he'd given everything he had, if he can't keep up to the standards it was time for him. It's come from him. Have to respect that. They've earned that respect.” Read also: ‘There is no room for him’: Ajit Agarkar explains Shreyas Iyer’s omission from India’s Test squad New Leadership and a Youthful Future India’s recent defeats in the home Test series against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss to Australia sparked a need for introspection. The BCCI is now focusing on nurturing fresh talent to rebuild a strong Test side for the future. This transition officially begins with Shubman Gill, at just 25, taking over the Test captaincy. Gill will lead a young Indian squad in the demanding five-match series in England, a testing ground for the next generation. Kohli’s early communication with the board aligned with reports that the BCCI had hoped to convince him to reconsider and play one last Test tour. However, Kohli was firm in his decision to close this chapter on his own terms. Having played 123 Tests and scored over 9,000 runs, with 40 wins as captain, Kohli’s legacy in Indian Test cricket is immense. Though stepping away from red-ball cricket, he is expected to remain an integral part of India’s ODI squad, with his sights set on the 2027 World Cup.