The cricketing world was left stunned when Virat Kohli one of the gamersquos modern greats announced his retirement from Test cricket. The decision revealed through an emotional post on Instagram marked the end of an era in Indian cricket. Fans and pundits alike took time to process the departure of a player who redefined Indiarsquos approach to the longest format of the game. In an era dominated by white-ball glitz and T20 spectacle Virat Kohli emerged as a fierce guardian of Test cricket rekindling Indiarsquos passion for the traditional format. He transformed India into a fearless fast-bowling powerhouse capable of winning in any corner of the world. Now former India head coach Ravi Shastri has shed light on a private conversation he had with Kohli just a week before the big announcementmdashone that confirmed the legendary batter had made peace with his decision. ldquoHersquod Given Everythingrdquo Kohlirsquos Clarity of Mind Speaking to Sanjana Ganesan Shastri revealed ldquoI did speak to him about it I think a week before that [his announcement] and his mind was very clear that hersquod given us everything. There were no regrets.rdquo The veteran coach added that Kohli had no doubts and his mental clarity was a strong indicator that the time had come. ldquoThe mind has told his body that itrsquos time to go.rdquo Also ReadIndia vs England test series at lsquoriskrsquo thanks to Virat Kohlirsquos test retirement The Toll of Stardom and Constant Spotlight Shastri reflected on Kohlirsquos intense journey as a cricketer constantly in the limelight. ldquoHersquos got accolades around the globehellip Whether itrsquos Australia or South Africa people would watch just to see him.rdquo Describing Kohlirsquos polarising yet magnetic presence Shastri noted ldquoThere was a love-hate relationship. His celebrations his intensitymdashit was infectious. He could get under the skin of the viewers too.rdquo ldquoI Thought He Had Two or Three More Yearsrdquo Admitting his own surprise Shastri said ldquoVirat surprised me because I thought he had at least two-three years of Test match cricket left in him.rdquo However he acknowledged the impact of mental burnout ldquoYou might be physically the fittest guy in the business but if youre mentally done the message to the body is clearmdashlsquoThatrsquos it.rsquordquo An Era That Redefined Indian Test Cricket The Shastri-Kohli partnership will be remembered as one of the most successful in Indian Test history. From the first-ever Test series win in Australia to conquering the West Indies and ending a 22-year drought in Sri Lanka their era symbolised resilience aggression and a renewed hunger for overseas success. Kohlirsquos legacy as Indiarsquos greatest Test captain is secure and while his bat may now rest his impact on the red-ball game will echo for generations to come.