Virat Kohli scored only 190 runs in his last five Test matches for India. According to reports, Indian batting legend Virat Kohli is considering retiring from Test cricket and has been in discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about this decision for the past few weeks. The reports also suggest that the BCCI has requested Kohli to reconsider his decision.
However, rumors are strong that Virat Kohli has already made up his mind about retiring from Test cricket. Recently, India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket after representing India in the longest format for 11 years, starting in 2013. Sharma also led the Indian Test team from February 2022.
Following Sharma’s retirement, Shubman Gill has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the Test captaincy. If Virat Kohli also retires, it would be a major setback for the Indian Test team, which is set to face England in an important series next month. India will be touring England for a five-match Test series, beginning on June 20. Given his vast experience, Kohli was expected to play a key role for India in this series.
Virat Kohli Stands Firm on Test Retirement Decision
According to reports, Virat Kohli remains resolute in his decision to retire from Test cricket, despite efforts by the BCCI and Indian selectors to convince him otherwise. The BCCI has been pushing for Kohli to participate in the upcoming England tour.
“Virat Kohli informed the selectors about his decision to retire from Tests two weeks ago. They have been trying to persuade him to take part in the Test series against England. However, he remains firm on his decision. The final decision will be made closer to the selection meeting next week,” BCCI sources told TOI.
Meanwhile, the Indian selectors are busy finalizing the squad for the upcoming Test series against England. The series is set to begin on June 20 and continue until August 4, comprising five matches. This series will also mark the start of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle for both India and England.
Virat Kohli has struggled with his form in Test cricket recently. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, he managed a century in the opening Test in Perth but scored just 190 runs in nine innings across four Tests. Overall, in 2024, Kohli accumulated 417 runs in 19 innings, averaging a disappointing 24.52.