Virat Kohli’s Intense Century Celebrations: Linked to His Test Retirement? Ashwin Explains

Virat Kohli has rediscovered top form in the ODI series against South Africa, smashing back-to-back centuries and celebrating each one with raw intensity. His leaping, fist-pumping, and loud roars have gone viral — and now former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has offered a speculative explanation.

Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin suggested that Kohli’s emotional celebrations may be connected to his recent, unexpected retirement from Test cricket.

According to Ashwin, Kohli’s reactions appeared to carry deeper meaning.
“Why is Virat celebrating like that? What is he thinking and what has he gone through? Let us not forget that Virat left Test cricket,” he said. Ashwin added that Kohli’s love for the format made his retirement particularly significant, hinting that widespread scrutiny about his Test form could have influenced the decision.

Domestic Cricket Mandate & Its Fallout

In 2024, the BCCI made domestic cricket participation mandatory for all Indian players. As a result, seniors including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played Ranji Trophy matches early in 2025 after nearly a decade away. Soon after, both retired from Test cricket — a move many believe was indirectly forced by the rigid policy.

Reports later indicated that Kohli would also appear in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, sparking questions over whether one of India’s greatest players truly needed to “prove” himself again.

Ashwin hinted that this may have hurt Kohli.
He suggested that the charged celebrations could be Kohli’s way of responding to doubters:
“If you doubted me, here is the proof.”

Ashwin noted that Kohli now appears mentally settled and technically sharper, especially with a more stable batting base — a key factor in his resurgence.

Kohli’s Dominance Continues

Since the Champions Trophy 2025, Kohli has been India’s top ODI performer, scoring 311 runs at an average of 77. He heads into the series decider in Vizag as India’s biggest batting hope.