MUMBAI: Virat Kohli is reportedly considering retirement from Test cricket, having communicated his intent to the BCCI ahead of India’s five-match Test series in England beginning June 20. According to ESPNcricinfo, Kohli has been in talks with board officials over the past month regarding this significant decision.
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If finalized, this would mark the end of a 14-year-long illustrious Test career comprising 123 matches, 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, and a record 68 Tests as captain. Under his leadership, India won 40 Tests—making him the country's most successful Test skipper.
Although Kohli notched a century against Australia in Perth in November 2024, it was only his second in nearly two years, a period where his average dipped to 32.56. Nevertheless, the team management values his experience, especially with a transitional squad and Shubman Gill likely to take over as captain following Rohit Sharma’s recent retirement from the format.
Kohli, along with Rohit, had already stepped away from T20Is post India's 2024 World Cup win. If Kohli exits the red-ball arena, both players will be left playing only ODIs, despite holding A+ central contracts, typically reserved for three-format players.
India is entering a new era with several senior players like Ashwin retired, Pujara and Rahane out of contention, and Shami battling fitness. Kohli’s potential farewell series comes in England—where he enjoyed a stellar run in 2018, amassing 583 runs at an average of 59.30, redeeming himself after a poor tour in 2014.
From 2016 to 2018, Kohli was at his peak, scoring 3596 runs in 35 Tests at an average of 66.59. If he does retire, it will mark the end of one of the greatest Test careers in Indian cricket history.
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