June 6, Chappell on Kohli: Former Australia captain and former India coach Greg Chappell believes that Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket is not due to a decline in his skills but due to the mental stress on him due to the game in the last few years. Chappell said that Kohli has retired due to the lack of mental clarity required to perform at the highest level.
Chappell wrote in his column for ‘ESPNcricinfo’, “His decision was not due to a decline in skills but due to the growing realization that he can no longer achieve the mental clarity that made him so strong.” The former cricketer said, “He admitted that at the highest level, the body falters unless the mind is sharp and decisive.”
Kohli’s Test Legacy & Retirement Announcement
Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket last month. He represented India in 123 Tests and scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 with the help of 30 centuries. The former Indian coach said that doubt finds a way to enter a player’s game which gradually affects decision-making, footwork, and spontaneity required for top-level performance.
Chappell wrote, “When doubt starts settling inside you, it hinders decision-making, spoils footwork, and destroys the spontaneity required for top performance. Kohli’s retirement is a reminder that form is more of a mind game.” Let us tell you that Kohli had said goodbye to Test cricket on May 12. He announced this through an Instagram post.
The Psychological Toll of Elite Cricket
Virat was in poor form in Tests for some time. Due to this, he was also facing criticism. Under Kohli, the Indian team had to face a clean sweep in the three-match Test series against the Kiwis at home last year and then a defeat at the hands of Australia. He has already retired from T20 Internationals. Now Kohli will be seen playing for India only in ODIs.
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