New Delhi: Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket earlier this week has left fans stunned. Now, a new report suggests that the former Indian skipper was initially given indications of a potential return as Test captain but was later let down by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
According to Sports Today, Kohli was informally assured that he could be reinstated as Test captain during the upcoming 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The discussions reportedly took place after India’s heavy loss in the Adelaide day-night Test against Australia, which ended inside three days under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
“People close to him suggest he was given a hint that he would be brought back as captain after the Adelaide defeat,” the report claimed. However, after India went on to lose the series 3-1, the BCCI and team management allegedly shifted focus toward grooming a younger leader for the future.
Kohli, who played a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Railways in an effort to demonstrate his commitment—something reportedly encouraged by BCCI officials—was eventually informed in April that he would continue only as a player, not captain. The report suggests this final decision played a role in his choice to retire from Test cricket.
Kohli, 36, is India’s most successful Test captain, having led the team in 68 matches and securing 40 wins. His legacy includes transforming the Indian Test side into a dominant force, especially overseas.
His retirement came ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England starting June 20 in Leeds.
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