BCCI requests Virat Kohli to reconsider test cricket retirement decision - Reports

Virat Kohli has played 123 tests for India so far.

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is considering to retire from the test format, according to some reports. The 36-year-old has been in talks with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over his test retirement for the past one month. However, he is yet to confirm his final decision to the BCCI.

On Wednesday, May 7, India ODI skipper Rohit Sharma retired from the longest format. He conveyed his decision to BCCI and informed his fans about the same through an Instagram post. After Sharma’s retirement, BCCI is yet to name the new test skipper of the Indian Cricket Team. Notably, Sharma will continue to lead the side in ODIs.

BCCI urges Virat Kohli to reconsider test retirement

After reports of Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from test cricket surfaced, now a BCCI official, in anonymity, has informed that the board has requested Kohli to take some time before making final call.

“He’s still incredibly fit and hungry. His presence in the dressing room lifts the entire team. We’ve requested him to take some time before making a final call,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by IANS.

Notably, Indian Cricket Team is gearing up for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. They will collide with England Cricket Team in a five-match test series starting June 20. Kohli is also expected to be part of the Indian team during the series and play a vital role.

Kohli was part of India’s last test series against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. He also slammed a century in the opening test at Perth Cricket Stadium. The Rohit Sharma & Co. faced a dismal defeat in the series (3-1). The defeat also hampered their chances of making it to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final; slated to take place in June in England.

Kohli, who made his debut in 2011, has played 123 tests so far. He has mustered 9230 runs across 210 innings at a batting average of 46.85. He accounts for 30 tons and 31 fifties in the red-ball format with the top knock of 254.

Kohli has already retired from T20Is. He, with Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, announced their retirement from the shortest format after winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June last year.

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