On the timing of Virat Kohli’s retirement and the sharp “dignity” of India’s most scandalous coach

Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell, whose tenure as coach of the Indian cricket team was controversial, believes the end will come for today’s greatest cricketers such as Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Joe Root, but not when they others will say, and then when they know. Chappell also reflected on the inevitable decline of elite batsmen and how this plays out in the careers of modern day greats like Kohli, Smith and Root. Chappell explores a phenomenon he calls “Elite Performance Disorder Syndrome” (EPDS), offering a rare glimpse into the mental and physical battles cricketers face in the twilight of their careers.

Chappell begins with the observation that the decline, although gradual, is unmistakable. Even the best players – those who once dominated with flair and confidence – begin to show signs of wavering. “For players like Kohli, Smith and Root, the decline is not dramatic,” Chappell wrote in an article for The Sydney Morning Herald. “It’s a subtle change in approach, a caution that replaces instinctive dominance in the prime of life.”

“For Kohli, Smith and Root, the end will come – not when others tell them, but when they find out,” Chappell writes. “The battle against time is not about winning, but about finishing well, on your own terms.”

Kohli, who once intimidated bowlers with his commanding starts, has started taking a cautious approach. “He constructs his innings differently now, often requiring him 20 or 30 runs to regain the fluency that was once natural,” notes Chappell.

This indecision, according to Chappell, is emblematic of EPDS. Kohli’s instinctive aggression, tempered by the weight of expectations and fear of failure, has made him more willing to take risks. “Confidence is everything for an elite athlete,” writes Chappell. “When doubt creeps in, it destroys the clarity needed to dominate. Kohli’s internal battle is clear – his desire to attack versus his cautious approach to survival.”

Steve Smith, known for his unconventional talent and uncanny ability to get results, struggles with another aspect of EPDS. “Smith’s decline was more mental than physical,” suggests Chappell.

The intense focus and meticulous preparation that defined Smith’s game has become increasingly difficult to maintain as time goes on. “Fatigue—both mental and physical—is the silent enemy,” Chappell writes. “For Smith, maintaining that keen focus over long innings is becoming increasingly challenging. The weight of expectations, both from fans and teammates, only adds to the emotional toll.”

For Joe Root, the battle is as much about mindset as it is about form. Root’s graceful strokeplay and ability to adapt to any situation remain the hallmarks of his game. However, Chappell notes a slight change in his intentions. “Root’s ability to dominate both spinners and pace is still there, but his willingness to take risks has diminished,” notes Chappell.

Root’s mission is to rekindle the joy of batting, which is often dampened by the burden of responsibility. “The hardest part is not the bowler at the other end,” writes Chappell. “It’s that quiet in your head when you know you’re not the same player you once were.”

Chappell delved into the science behind EPDS, explaining how aging affects both the mind and body. “These changes are inevitable,” Chappell writes. “The problem is how players like Kohli, Smith and Root adapt to them.”

For players in cricket-mad countries such as India, Australia and England, the pressure of decline is compounded by public scrutiny. Chappell stressed that fans and experts analyze every dip in form, adding to the mental burden.

“These players don’t just fight their battles,” Chappell writes. “They bear the burden of millions of fans who demand excellence.” He recalls Sunil Gavaskar saying, “The hardest part of batting is realizing that you are not who you were.”

Despite the challenges, Chappell believed great players find ways to adapt. He points to Kohli’s recent performances where after a cautious start, he rediscovered his rhythm and played winning innings. Likewise, Smith’s ability to cope with difficult conditions and Root’s ability to adapt to different formats are testaments to their resilience.

“Reaching 20 or 30 runs becomes a psychological turning point,” Chappell writes. “This is the moment when the rhythm of their youth surfaces, reminding them—and us—why they are among the greatest of all time.”

Chappell concluded by reflecting on his career and the emotional struggle of letting go. In his final test at the SCG, he summoned the mental focus of his younger self and scored a century, a fitting end to his journey.

Chappell also urged fans to recognize these players not only for their best performances, but also for their resilience in the face of decline.

“Greatness is not just something they achieve in their prime. It’s about how they adapt, endure and finish. Kohli, Smith and Root are writing the final chapters of their stories and we must honor their courage as much as their talent.”

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