Reluctance To Be Categorised ‘Normal’ Led To Kohli’s Premature Test Retirement: Nasser Hussain

Though it has been some days since Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, the reactions keep on pouring after the surprise announcement by the modern-day great on May 12. 

In a latest burst of love for India’s number four in Tests, Nasser Hussain said that the reason behind the announcement was Kohli’s urge to not be categorised as any other normal cricketer. 

“Everything for Kohli is about winning. Why do you think he’s so good at run chases? He can’t go on the field and not be a hundred percent,” said the former England captain on Sky Sports’ Cricket Podcast. 

“That may have formed part of his retirement decision. He didn’t want to be a normal cricketer, just doing a little bit here and there. He made India into the force they are today,” added Hussain. 

Saying that Kohli was more than just about his runs, Hussain, who himself played 96 Tests, described the man with 123 Tests under his belt as the ultimate winner of Indian cricket.

“I have been a massive Virat Kohli fan over the last 14 years – his stats speak for themselves – but he was so much more than that. It was his aura, swagger, and passion. We know Indian cricket fans, and the game means so much to them,” said Hussain. 

“They want their captain to show them what it means to the team, and no one embodied that passion for cricket in India more than Kohli,” said the 56-year-old.