Greg Chappell: Kohli, Smith, and Root Will Determine Their Retirement, Not Others

New Delhi, Dec 21 (NationPress) Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell opines that for contemporary cricket icons such as Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root, the conclusion of their careers will be determined not by outside influences but by their personal awareness.

Chappell reflects on the unavoidable decline of top-tier batsmen and how this is evident in the journeys of modern legends like Kohli, Smith, and Root. He introduces a concept he refers to as “Elite Performance Decline Syndrome” (EPDS), giving a rare insight into the psychological and physical challenges faced by cricketers approaching the end of their careers.

Chappell notes that while decline is a gradual process, it is still unmistakable. Even the most exceptional players—who once dazzled with flair and confidence—begin to exhibit signs of hesitation. “For players like Kohli, Smith, and Root, the decline isn’t dramatic,” Chappell states in an opinion piece for The Sydney Morning Herald. “It’s subtle—a change in strategy, a cautiousness that replaces the instinctive dominance of their prime.”

“For Kohli, Smith, and Root, the end will come—not when others dictate, but when they recognize it themselves,” Chappell emphasizes. “The struggle against time isn’t about victory; it’s about concluding with dignity, on their own terms.”

Kohli, who once struck fear into bowlers with his powerful starts, has begun to demonstrate a more cautious mindset. “He now constructs his innings differently, often requiring 20 or 30 runs to restore the fluency that previously came effortlessly,” Chappell observes.

This hesitancy, according to Chappell, is indicative of EPDS. Kohli’s natural aggression, now tempered by the burden of expectations and fear of failure, has made him more risk-averse. “Confidence is essential for an elite athlete,” Chappell writes. “When doubt infiltrates, it disrupts the clarity needed to dominate. Kohli’s internal conflict is evident—his urge to attack versus his prudent approach to survival.”

Steve Smith, recognized for his unconventional brilliance and exceptional ability to accumulate runs, faces a different aspect of EPDS. “Smith’s decline is more mental than physical,” Chappell suggests.

The intense concentration and thorough preparation that characterized Smith’s batting have become increasingly difficult to sustain over time. “Fatigue—both mental and physical—acts as a silent adversary,” Chappell remarks. “For Smith, maintaining that acute focus during lengthy innings has become progressively challenging. The pressure from fans and teammates only magnifies the emotional strain.”

For Joe Root, the struggle consists not only of technique but also of mindset. Root’s elegant stroke play and adaptability remain key features of his game. However, Chappell notes a subtle change in his approach. “Root’s capability to dominate both spinners and pace bowlers is intact, but his readiness to take risks has waned,” Chappell assesses.

Root's challenge lies in rediscovering the joy of batting, a feeling that frequently diminishes under the burden of responsibility. “The most daunting opponent isn’t the bowler at the other end,” Chappell states. “It’s the silence in your mind when you realize you’re not the player you once were.”

Chappell explored the scientific aspects of EPDS, detailing how aging influences both the mind and body. “These transformations are unavoidable,” Chappell explains. “The real challenge is how players like Kohli, Smith, and Root adapt to them.”

For athletes hailing from cricket-obsessed nations such as India, Australia, and England, the pressures of decline are intensified by public scrutiny. Chappell emphasized that every dip in performance is analyzed by fans and pundits, adding to the mental pressure.

“These players are not merely grappling with their own challenges,” Chappell remarks. “They carry the expectations of millions who demand perfection.” He recalls Sunil Gavaskar’s words: “The hardest aspect of batting is realizing you aren’t what you once were.”

Despite the obstacles, Chappell is confident that great players discover ways to adapt. He points to Kohli’s recent performances, where after cautious beginnings, he has found his rhythm and delivered match-winning innings. Similarly, Smith’s ability to persevere in challenging conditions and Root’s versatility across various formats exemplify their resilience.

“Reaching 20 or 30 runs serves as a psychological threshold,” Chappell writes. “It’s a moment where the rhythm of their younger selves returns, reminding them—and us—why they are among the greatest of all time.”

Chappell concluded by reflecting on his own experiences and the emotional difficulty of letting go. In his final Test at the SCG, he summoned the mental focus of his youth to score a century, a fitting conclusion to his career.

Chappell encourages fans to appreciate these athletes not just for their peak performances, but for their resilience in confronting decline.

“Greatness isn’t solely defined by what they accomplish in their prime. It’s about how they adapt, endure, and conclude. Kohli, Smith, and Root are penning the final chapters of their narratives, and we should honor their bravery as much as their brilliance.”