Chris Gayle Calls Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement ‘Too Early’, Praises His Legacy

SportsBettingMarkets » Cric News India » Chris Gayle Calls Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement ‘Too Early’, Praises His Legacy

Cric News India

September 8, 2025 0 444

Chris Gayle opined that Kohli retired from Test cricket too early and that the game will miss his presence and contributions.

Former West Indies star Chris Gayle expressed surprise over Virat Kohli’s early retirement from Test cricket, calling it a huge loss for the sport. Kohli announced his decision in May, just weeks before India’s Test tour of England. He played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties.

Gayle praised Kohli’s influence on cricket and highlighted how much he will be missed. He also celebrated Kohli’s IPL success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, saying it was special to share the win after multiple final appearances.

“Oh yeah, very early. Very early. You know, for whatever reason, I do not know, but cricket will miss him 100%. Cricket will miss him. He is a massive, massive figure for the game of cricket,” Gayle said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast.

“I am just happy a guy like Virat lifted the trophy (IPL) as well, because you know there was so much talk here and there. We had been to a couple of finals together, so I was really overwhelmed to actually be a part of that RCB team, to lift the trophy. And just as I am happy, I am sure AB was just as excited for RCB as well,” the former Windies cricketer added.

READ ALSO | India Will Miss Washington Sundar’s All-Round Skills in Asia Cup, Says Mohammad Kaif

Gayle then recalled the memorable moments shared with the two stars during their time at Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

“Those legends (Kohli and de Villiers), phenomenal players, phenomenal people as well. You know, very cool, very down-to-earth as well. Good vibes, good energy. I had a great time playing with these guys in the dressing room. We had some great memories. We shared some great memories. So, you know, AB walked away from the game. Virat walked away from international cricket to an extent, still playing franchise cricket for RCB, which is good,” Chris Gayle concluded.