India’s most controversial coach’s sharp ‘dignity’ verdict on when Virat Kohli will retire

Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell, whose tenure as coach of the Indian cricket team was controversial, says the end will come for modern cricket greats like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Joe Root But I believe the end will come when they tell them, not when others tell them. know. Chappell also reflected on the inevitable decline of elite batsmen and how it manifests itself in the careers of modern-day greats like Kohli, Smith and Root. Chappell explores a phenomenon he calls ‘elite performance decline syndrome’ (EPDS) and provides a rare glimpse into the mental and physical battles faced by cricketers in the twilight of their careers.

Chappell begins by observing how the decline is occurring, albeit gradually. Even the best players, once so dominant in their talent and certainty, begin to show signs of hesitation. “For players like Kohli, Smith and Root, the decline is not dramatic,” Chappell wrote in a commentary for the Sydney Morning Herald. “It’s subtle. A change in approach, a wariness that replaces the instinctive edge of his prime.”

“The end will come for Kohli, Smith and Root. Not when others tell us, but when they know,” Chappell wrote. “The race against time is not about winning, but about finishing on your own terms and with dignity.”

Kohli used to intimidate bowlers with his superior starting ability, but of late he has started showing a cautious approach. “He’s structured his innings differently now, and it often takes him 20 or 30 innings to regain the fluency that once came naturally,” Chappell noted.

This hesitation is emblematic of EPDS, Chappell argued. Kohli’s instinctive aggression was tempered by the weight of expectations and fear of failure, making him more risk-averse. “For elite athletes, confidence is everything,” Chappell writes. “When doubt creeps in, it disrupts the clarity needed to dominate. Kohli’s inner battle is clear: the desire to attack and the cautious approach to survival.”

Steve Smith, known for his unconventional brilliance and uncanny ability to knock down runs, is battling a different side of the EPDS. “Smith’s decline was more mental than physical,” Chappell suggests.

The focus and careful preparation that characterized Smith’s batting become harder to maintain over time. “Fatigue, both mental and physical, is a silent enemy,” Chappell writes. “It’s becoming increasingly difficult for Smith to maintain sharp focus over long innings. The weight of expectations from fans and teammates only adds to the mental strain.”

For Joe Root, fighting is as much about mindset as it is about form. Root’s graceful stroke play and ability to adapt to any situation remain hallmarks of his game. But Chappell noticed a subtle shift in his intentions. “Root’s ability to dominate spinners and pace alike is still there, but his appetite for taking risks has diminished,” Chappell observes.

Root’s challenge is to rekindle the joy of batting, which tends to disappear with the weight of responsibility. “The hardest part is not the opposing bowler,” Chappell wrote. “It’s the silence in your head when you know you’re not the player you once were.”

Mr. Chappell delved into the scientific basis of EPDS and explained how aging affects both the mind and body. “These changes are inevitable,” Chappell wrote. “The challenge is how players like Kohli, Smith and Root adapt.”

For players from cricket-obsessed countries such as India, Australia and England, the pressure to decline is compounded by the intense public scrutiny. Chappell emphasized that every lapse in form is analyzed by fans and critics, adding to the mental strain.

“These athletes aren’t just fighting their own battles,” Chappell wrote. “They carry the burden of millions of fans who demand perfection,” he recalls Sunil Gavaskar’s words. “The hardest thing about batting is knowing you’re not the same person you used to be.”

Despite the challenges, Chappell believed great players find a way to adapt. He pointed to Kohli’s recent performance, rediscovering his rhythm after a cautious start and pitching a match-winning innings. Similarly, Smith’s ability to overcome tough conditions and Root’s adaptability to different formats are evidence of their resilience.

“Reaching 20 or 30 runs is a psychological turning point,” Chappell wrote. “It’s a moment when their youthful rhythm resurfaces and reminds them, and us, why they are the greatest players of all time.”

Chappell ended by reflecting on his own career and the emotional struggle he had in letting go of his job. In the final Test at the SCG, he summoned the mental focus of his youth and scored a century, bringing a fitting end to his journey.

Chappell also called on fans to celebrate not only the top performances of these players, but also their resilience in the face of decline.

“Greatness doesn’t just mean what they achieved in their prime. What matters is how they adapt, endure and finish. Kohli, Smith and Root are the final chapters of the story. We should celebrate their courage as much as their brilliance.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)