Virat Kohli Plans Test Retirement Ahead of England Tour

MUMBAI, India — Veteran Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has expressed his intention to retire from Test cricket, according to reports from top sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The board, however, has urged him to reconsider his decision ahead of the crucial England tour set to begin next month.

Kohli’s announcement follows just days after Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced his own retirement from Test cricket. Sources say that Kohli has firmly decided to step away from the format and informed the BCCI about his decision.

“He has made up his mind and has informed the board that he is moving on from Test cricket. The BCCI has urged him to rethink as the crucial England tour is coming up. He is yet to revert on the request,” said a BCCI source.

India’s selectors are expected to meet soon to finalize the squad for the five-Test series in England. The absence of both Kohli and Sharma will leave the team with a relatively inexperienced middle order. India’s upcoming tour is particularly pivotal as it marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle.

Kohli has been contemplating his future in Test cricket since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, where he struggled despite scoring a century in the first Test. If he remains resolute in his decision, it could significantly alter the team dynamics for the England series.

In the last five years, Kohli’s performance has dwindled, marked by just 1,990 runs in 37 matches, including three centuries. He averaged a disappointing 23.75 during the recent tour to Australia, raising concerns about his ability to maintain form. Kohli expressed his mental struggles following the Australia tour, saying, “Once you start taking on the energy and the disappointment from the outside, you start burdening yourself way more.”

He previously noted, “I might not have an Australia tour again in me in four years’ time,” which suggests that he is grappling with the realities of his cricketing career.

The BCCI is now faced with a critical decision as they prepare for the England series and must consider their captaincy options, with Shubman Gill emerging as a potential frontrunner after successful leadership in domestic leagues.

Kohli, since his debut, has played 123 Test matches and scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, making him one of India’s top batsmen. His decision to potentially retire could reshape the Indian cricket landscape and the upcoming series against England.