New Delhi: In a surprising development, renowned Indian batter Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention to retire from Test cricket. According to a report by the Indian Express, Kohli has expressed his desire to step away from the longest format of the game, after considerable reflection.
The BCCI, however, has urged the iconic batsman to reconsider his decision, especially with the crucial England tour looming in June. Despite this, it appears Kohli remains resolute in his choice, which he has reportedly been mulling over since the Border-Gavaskar series in December 2024.
Kohli, who has been a key player in Indian cricket, has played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. However, his recent form has raised concerns. During the 2024 Border-Gavaskar series, Kohli struggled to find his rhythm, managing only 190 runs in five matches, with a solitary century in the first Test. His recent performance has seen a decline in his Test average over the past five years, with only three centuries in 37 matches.
In an earlier conversation during an event for Royal Challengers Bangalore in March, Kohli spoke about the mental pressures of dealing with poor form. He mentioned how external disappointments can add weight to a player’s mindset, leading to desperation and added pressure to perform.
Despite his struggles, Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket remains significant, and he is regarded as one of the greatest Indian cricketers in the longest format. He has built an illustrious career, with numerous records and memorable performances.
Kohli’s decision follows the announcement by Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who confirmed his retirement from Test cricket earlier this week. Rohit shared the news on Instagram, stating, “It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format.” The BCCI also confirmed that while Rohit is retiring from Tests, he will remain available for One-Day Internationals.
The cricket world now faces a potential changing of the guard as both Kohli and Rohit make their transitions away from Test cricket, with Indian cricket fans wondering who will step up to fill their monumental shoes in the longer format.
