{
  "id": 13887186,
  "title": "‘Virat was a bit bitter’: Former India cricketer drops big verdict on Kohli's Test retirement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/virat-was-a-bit-bitter-former-india-cricketer-drops-big-verdict-on",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T06:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/virat-bit-bitter-former-india-060000069.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has offered his insights into Virat Kohli's unexpected retirement from Test cricket. According to Jaffer, the star batter may have been unhappy with the way his exit was managed. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer expressed that Kohli seemed \"a bit bitter\" about the circumstances surrounding his decision to retire. He further added that a player of Kohli's caliber, who draws massive crowds and has a huge following, could have continued playing Test cricket. Kohli's retirement was a surprise to many, given his ongoing interest in the format and his recent involvement in a Ranji Trophy match in January 2025. However, tensions reportedly arose in April when Kohli expressed his disillusionment to the selectors, declining an invitation to join the England tour. Despite efforts by those close to him and certain BCCI officials to change his mind, Jaffer believes the handling of the situation could have been improved. He pointed out that Kohli was already preparing for the England tour, suggesting that the decision-making process could have been better managed. Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, concluding a 14-year career in the format during which he scored 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries in 123 Tests.",
  "summary": "Kohli's retirement came after months of uncertainty over his future in Test cricket.",
  "key_points": [
    "Virat Kohli reportedly felt bitter about his Test retirement.",
    "Kohli's 14-year Test career included 9,230 runs and 30 centuries.",
    "Tensions arose in April when Kohli declined an England tour invitation."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The sudden departure of a premier batter suggests that internal friction between star players and selectors can prematurely end even the most impactful careers in international cricket.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "US-based couple with Rs 4.78 crore plans India return, weighs early retirement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/us-based-couple-with-rs-4-78-crore-plans-india-return-weighs-early",
        "published": "2026-10-12T06:42:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}