India's most controversial coach's swift 'dignified' decision on Virat Kohli's retirement timing

Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell, whose tenure as coach of the Indian cricket team was controversial, believes modern cricket greats like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Joe Root will come to an end, but not if others ignore them. Will tell, but only when they know. Chappell also reflected on the inevitable decline of elite batsmen and how this manifests in the careers of modern greats like Kohli, Smith and Root. Chappell examines the phenomenon he calls “Elite Performance Decline Syndrome” (EPDS), offering a rare glimpse into the mental and physical battles faced by cricketers in the final stages of their careers.

Chappell begins by observing how decline, while gradual, is unmistakable. Even the best players – who once dominated with flair and certainty – begin to show signs of hesitation. “The decline for players like Kohli, Smith and Root is not dramatic,” Chappell wrote in an opinion article for The Sydney Morning Herald. “It's subtle – a change in approach, a caution that replaces the instinctive dominance of their chief.”

Chappell writes, “For Kohli, Smith and Root, the end will come – not when others tell them, but when they know.” “The fight against time is not about winning; it is about finishing with honor on its own terms.”

Kohli, who once scared the bowlers with his strong starts, has started showing a cautious attitude. “He builds his innings differently now, he often needs 20 or 30 runs to regain the flow that once came naturally,” says Chappell.

Chappell argued that this hesitation is typical of EPDS. Kohli's innate aggression, tempered by the burden of expectations and fear of failure, has made him more risk-averse. Chappell writes, “For an elite athlete, confidence is everything.” “When doubt sets in, it hampers 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 unorthodox talent and extraordinary run-scoring ability, is struggling with a different aspect of EPDS. Chappell suggests, “Smith's decline has been more mental than physical.”

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

The battle for Joe Root is as much about form as it is mentality. Root's brilliant stroke play and ability to adapt to any situation remains the hallmark of his game. However, Chappell has seen a subtle change in his intentions. “Root's ability to dominate both spinners and pace is still there, but his willingness to take risks has diminished,” says Chappell.

Root's challenge is to rekindle the joy of batting, which often fades under the burden of responsibility. Chappell writes, “The most difficult thing is the absence of a bowler at the other end.” “It's the silence in your own mind when you know you're no longer the player you once were.”

Chappell highlights the scientific underpinnings of EPDS and how aging impacts both the mind and body. “These changes are inevitable,” writes Chappell. “The challenge is how players like Kohli, Smith and Root adjust to him.”

For players from cricket-mad nations like India, Australia and England, the public scrutiny adds to the pressure of a downfall. Chappell highlighted how every dip in form is dissected by fans and pundits, adding to the mental burden.

“These players aren't just fighting their battles,” writes Chappell. “They're carrying the weight of millions of fans who demand perfection.” He recalls Sunil Gavaskar's words: “The hardest part of batting is knowing that you are not what you were.”

Despite the challenges, Chappell believed that great players find ways to adapt. He points to Kohli's recent performance, where after a cautious start, he regained his rhythm and played a match-winning innings. Similarly, Smith's ability to cope with difficult situations and Root's ability to adapt to different formats is a testament to his flexibility.

Chappell writes, “Reaching 20 or 30 serves as a psychological turning point.” “It's a moment where the rhythms of his younger self come to the fore again, reminding him and us why he is one of the greatest of all time.”

Chappelle concludes by reflecting on his career and the emotional struggle of letting go. In his final Test at the SCG, he channeled his youthful mental focus to score a century, a fitting end to his journey.

Chappell urged fans to celebrate these players not only for their great performances but also for their resilience despite declines.

“Greatness is not just about what they achieved at their peak. It's about how they adapt, endure and endure. Kohli, Smith and Root are writing the final chapters of their stories and we must respect their courage as much as their talent.