Virat Kohli firm on retirement decision despite request from BCCI and selectors - Reports

Virat Kohli managed only 190 runs in last five tests for India.

Indian batting legend Virat Kohli is looking to retire from test cricket and has been in talks with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the same for the last few weeks, according to reports. According to the same reports, the BCCI has also requested Kohli to reconsider his decision.

However, reports are rife that Virat Kohli has already confirmed his test retirement call. Recently, India ODI skipper Rohit Sharma pulled down curtains on his test cricket career after representing the national side in the whites for 11 long years since 2013. Sharma also led the Indian Cricket Team in tests since February 2022.

After Sharma’s retirement, Shubman Gill is the front-runner to take over the leadership of the test side. Hence, Kohli’s retirement can come as a big blow to the Indian test team, who are set to face England in an important series next month. India will tour England for a five-match test series starting June 20. Kohli was expected to be a crucial member of Indian team during the tests due to his incredible experience.

Virat Kohli firm on his decision of test retirement- Reports

According to reports, Kohli is firm on his stance of test retirement despite BCCI and Indian selectors urging him to reconsider his decision. BCCI are urging him to be part of the England tour.

“Kohli had informed the selectors two weeks ago (about his desire to quit Tests). They were trying to persuade him to play in the Test series against England. However, he is still firm on his stance. The final call will come close to the selection meeting next week,” BCCI sources informed TOI.

Notably, the Indian selectors are busy finalizing the India squad for the forthcoming test series against England. India are scheduled to clash with England in five matches during the series from June 20 to August 4. The series will also kick off India and England’s campaign at the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

Kohli struggled with his batting form in India’s last test series, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The right-handed batsman scored a century in the opening game in Perth. However, he could only add 190 runs in his nine innings across four tests. In 2024, Kohli scored 417 runs across 19 innings at a poor average of 24.52.

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