Kohli mulls Test retirement as BCCI urges reconsideration

In a move that has sent ripples through the Indian cricketing fraternity, talismanic batter Virat Kohli has reportedly expressed his desire to retire from Test cricket.

According to sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the 36-year-old stalwart recently communicated his intention to step away from the longest format of the game.

Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has been a cornerstone of India’s red-ball resurgence over the past decade. His aggressive captaincy, prolific batting and unmatched intensity have helped transform India into a formidable Test side both at home and abroad. With over 9,000 runs and 30 centuries in the format, Kohli’s presence at the crease has been nothing short of iconic.

However, the BCCI is not ready to let go of the veteran batter just yet. Sources indicate that top officials have reached out to Kohli, urging him to reconsider his decision, especially with significant tours on the horizon. India are set to embark on a challenging overseas calendar, including tours to England and Australia — series where Kohli’s experience could prove invaluable.

“He’s still incredibly fit and hungry. His presence in the dressing room lifts the entire team,” said a senior BCCI official on condition of anonymity. “We’ve requested him to take some time before making a final call.”

While Kohli has not made any public statement on the matter, fans and former cricketers alike have flooded social media with messages of support, hoping the modern-day legend gives the format another stint. For now, Indian cricket waits - with bated breath.

Earlier, India captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday. Kohli also thinking along the same lines will leave India’s red-ball batting order largely on the shoulders of youngsters in the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, beginning with the five-match Test series against England in Leeds on June 20.

BCCI has called on a highly influential cricketing figure to meet the talismanic batter in the coming days and convince him to reverse his potential Test cricket retirement plans.

“Yes, to convince Virat Kohli to reconsider his potential Test cricket retirement plans, the BCCI has called on a highly influential cricketing figure to speak to the talismanic cricketer in the coming days and convince him to prolong his career in the longest format, especially considering the tour of England is around the corner,” sources said.

While Rohit’s retirement will make KL Rahul and Shubman Gill the most experienced top-order batters, Kohli’s potential ending of his Test career will mean Rishabh Pant becomes the most experienced batter in the middle order. Gill, meanwhile, has been widely cited as the frontrunner to be the next Test skipper in a race that also has Rahul, Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah as other candidates.

Both Kohli and Rohit had retired from T20Is after India won the Men’s T20 World Cup last year in Barbados. If Kohli does go on to retire from Tests, the veteran duo will then be available to play for India only in ODI cricket.

Lara urges Kohli to continue playing: Former West Indies legend Brian Lara has made a public plea to Virat Kohli, urging the Indian batting icon to withdraw his reported decision to retire from Test cricket. Lara’s message comes at a time when uncertainty looms over Kohli’s red-ball future.

Taking to social media, Lara posted, “Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket. @virat.kohli is going to average above 60 for the remainder of his Test career.”

Earlier, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has too pleaded to Kohli to reconsider his rumoured decision to retire from Test cricket.

“Virat Kohli, please don’t retire. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India...Please reconsider,” posted Rayudu.

Agencies