Virat Kohli considers Test retirement, BCCI in damage-control mode

Dubai: Virat Kohli has shaken the foundations of Indian cricket — again.
Just months after bowing out of T20s with a World Cup in hand, the former Test captain is now reportedly contemplating retirement from the red-ball format, leaving the BCCI scrambling to convince him otherwise.

Rohit Sharma and Kohli, the two senior pros of Indian cricket, had announced their T20 retirements immediately after India’s title triumph last year. Last week, Rohit revealed he was also stepping away from Test cricket via an Instagram post. Now, Kohli’s possible exit from the longest format has sent shockwaves through the Indian board.

According to a report in The Indian Express, Kohli communicated his intent to retire from Tests, prompting the BCCI to urge the star batter to reconsider. The development — coming just before a key BCCI meeting regarding the England tour — has triggered widespread attention. However, the 36-year-old star batter has not confirmed his move.

However, the board is not ready to let go of the veteran batter just yet. Sources indicate that top officials have reached out to Kohli, encouraging him to rethink his decision, especially with major overseas tours looming. India are scheduled to tour England and Australia — series where Kohli’s experience could be invaluable.

After narrowly missing out on a place in the World Test Championship final, India will begin the new WTC cycle with a five-match Test series against England, starting in Leeds on June 20.

“He’s still incredibly fit and hungry. His presence in the dressing room lifts the entire team,” said a senior BCCI official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We’ve requested him to take some time before making a final call.”

Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has been a cornerstone of India’s red-ball resurgence over the past decade. His aggressive captaincy, prolific batting and unmatched intensity helped transform India into a formidable Test side, both at home and abroad. With over 9,000 runs and 30 centuries in the format, his presence at the crease has been nothing short of iconic.

After last week’s high-profile meeting at the BCCI headquarters, rumours began circulating that Rohit was on the verge of being sacked. But the opener — much like the way he has batted all his life — pre-empted the delivery. Before the axe could fall, he stepped aside on his own terms.

If Kohli — who is playing a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s campaign in the suspended Indian Premier League Season 18 — follows suit, it would leave a gaping void in the Indian team.