‘Bumrah should try to play all formats of the game; Virat can break all records’: Kapil Dev

New Delhi: Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev has urged fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to attempt playing all three formats of the game, while also questioning Virat Kohli's decision to retire prematurely from Test cricket.

Speaking on bowling workloads, Kapil—who famously never missed a Test match due to injury throughout his career—encouraged Bumrah to feature across all forms of international cricket rather than restricting his appearances.

"I thought Bumrah can play all three kind (of format). I think very few players can play all kinds of cricket. But I think the pool is so big, so selectors want to give chance to everybody," Kapil told PTI in an exclusive interview.

However, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain acknowledged that athletes must listen to their own physical limits when managing their schedules.

"Yes, I think every individual should know their body. What is right for them, they should try to do that," he emphasised.

Kapil Dev on Virat Kohli's Test retirement

Turning his attention to India's batting line-up, Kapil wondered whether Virat Kohli will eventually come to regret walking away from Test cricket when he could have easily played for a couple more years.

The soon-to-be 38-year-old Kohli retired from the red-ball format in 2025 just before the start of the England series, ending his Test career 770 runs short of the 10,000-run milestone.

"I feel sorry about him (Kohli) retiring from Test match. I don't know why he did that. He was the best. As a spectator, as a former cricketer, I feel he should have played more Test cricket also because he has the ability," Kapil said.

The iconic former India skipper noted that once time passes and Kohli reflects on his career, he may feel a sense of regret.

"I don't know if he is feeling bad today or not. He stopped playing. But I think in few years' time, he will definitely feel why I did not play Test cricket little more," he wondered.

Given Kohli's elite fitness standards, Kapil felt that managing himself across formats should not have been a major obstacle.

"When you love the game, you have passion for the game, why to retire when you can manage yourself. And I can understand T20 can be totally different. But one day in Test match, that's his cup of tea," he added.

Following Kohli's 55th ODI century, Kapil predicted that if the batter continues playing for another two to three years—potentially through to the 2027 ODI World Cup—he could rewrite remaining ODI records.

"He is showing so much interest. The way he is playing, he is looking good. At this age, his fitness is the most important thing. And if he can keep himself fit for another 2-3 years, I think he can break all the records," he added.

When asked whether he would advise Kohli to reverse his decision and make a Test comeback, Kapil gave an emphatic refusal.

"No, he should not come out from the retirement. No, people like us should not even say that. That's his call, not our call." (PTI)