Sri Lankan Voices on Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement: Respect, Reflection, and Opportunity

Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket has sparked reactions across the cricketing world, including Sri Lanka, where players and former legends offered a mix of respect and strategic reflection.

Arjuna Ranatunga: “Let him take that call”

Former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga urged fans and media to allow Kohli the personal space to make decisions about his career:

“For a player like Kohli who has scored so much of runs, I feel it’s best if that’s left to him. It’s a call that Kohli needs to take, so let him take it. Why always have the spotlight on him? It’s quite unnecessary I feel. It’s his decision, so let him take that.”

(Source: The Telegraph India)

He also suggested that Kohli could benefit from speaking to cricketing greats like Sunil Gavaskar or Rahul Dravid for perspective.

Marvan Atapattu: “A change in stance can reset the mindset”

Former Sri Lanka opener Marvan Atapattu offered technical advice in the past when Kohli was going through a rough patch, pointing out that changing technique can help:

“Changing the stance, changing the batting style... in my experience that I have seen of Aravinda [de Silva] who has been our greatest, I think something like that sort of clears you up from all the thoughts that are around.”

(Source: Sports.info)

Atapattu cited the examples of Aravinda de Silva and Kumar Sangakkara, who made subtle technical changes at key points in their careers.

Sanath Jayasuriya: “We have to take maximum advantage”

Interim Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya commented on the impact of Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s absence, seeing it as an opportunity for Sri Lanka:

“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are best players in the world... Their absence will be loss to the Indian team and we have to take maximum advantage out of that.”

(Source: InsideSport.in)

Jayasuriya pointed out that India’s transition gives Sri Lanka a better chance in future encounters.

Dinesh Chandimal: “I think it was the right time to retire”

When Kohli retired from T20Is after India’s 2024 World Cup win, Sri Lankan batsman Dinesh Chandimal recognized the timing:

“I think it was the right time to retire after winning the World Cup. As a senior player, you wish to have that. So I think they made the right decision.”

(Source: CricketAddictor.com)

Chandimal noted that it would take time for India to replace Kohli’s experience and presence.