When considering Virat Kohli's departure from Test cricket on Wednesday, former India head coach Ravi Shastri broke down in tears. Prior to the England trip, Kohli, who made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011, declared his retirement from the longest format.  

He is India's fourth-highest run scorer in the format with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 from 123 Test matches, including 30 hundreds and 31 fifties.

Shastri, who had a great time with Kohli while he was captain and saw many memorable series victories, claimed that the star batter's departure might have been handled with more consideration.

"Virat has announced his retirement from Test matches, which is sad, you know, because he's a great player. A great player. It's only when you go that people truly realise how big a player you were. Stats don’t do justice — it’s about the way he carried himself, especially as an ambassador for Test match cricket, particularly overseas. The way he played at Lord’s, and how his team turned things around — it was unreal. And I’m glad I was a part of it," Shastri said on Sony Sports.

"I feel sad that he's gone the way he has — suddenly. I think it could have been handled better, maybe with more communication. If I had anything to do with it, I would’ve made him captain straight after Australia," he added.

Having guided the side to 40 victories in 68 games, Kohli continues to be India's most successful Test captain. A potent pace attack, a dedication to fitness, and a combative style of cricket that made India a formidable force in all circumstances characterized his tenure.