The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is making an urgent bid to stop one of its greatest modern cricketers, Virat Kohli, from retiring from Test cricket, ahead of a defining five-match series in England starting June 20.
In a development that has shocked Indian cricket fans and drawn strong reactions across the global cricket community, Kohli has reportedly informed the BCCI of his intention to step away from the longest format.
In response, the board has sought the intervention of a heavyweight figure in Indian cricket to speak directly with Kohli in an attempt to sway him.
“Yes, to convince Virat Kohli to reconsider his potential Test cricket retirement plans, the BCCI has called on a highly influential cricketing figure to speak to the talismanic cricketer in the coming days and convince him to prolong his career in the longest format, especially considering the tour of England is around the corner,” — sources told IANS.
With Rohit gone, Kohli’s exit would leave massive void
Kohli’s potential retirement would come just weeks after Rohit Sharma stepped down from the Test format—another heavy blow to a team entering a period of transition. Without its two most experienced batters, India would lean heavily on players like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant to provide leadership and runs in the top and middle order.
Gill is being widely tipped to take over the Test captaincy, though other contenders such as Rahul, Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah remain in the mix.
India’s tour of England is also the starting point of a new World Test Championship cycle, further raising the stakes. With 123 Tests, 9230 runs, and 30 centuries to his name, Kohli’s absence would strip India of not just experience but also intensity and stature in overseas conditions.
“That highly influential cricketing figure was also the one who spoke to Rohit Sharma as well, although that was a completely different scenario, as he later announced his retirement from Tests.”
“Though Kohli is a person who doesn’t really change his mind quickly, the highly influential cricketing figure’s words may have some influence on his decision-making and thoughts over his Test cricket future,” — added sources.
Lara: “He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket”
One of the most resounding voices to emerge in support of Kohli continuing his Test career has been that of West Indies legend Brian Lara. In a passionate social media post, the holder of the highest individual Test score exuded full confidence that Kohli would not walk away from red-ball cricket just yet.
“Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket. @virat.kohli is going to average above 60 for the remainder of his Test career.” — Brian Lara
Lara’s prediction—of Kohli averaging over 60 for the rest of his career—is particularly bold considering the Indian batter has endured a recent dip in form, averaging just 33, 15, and 23 in his last three series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia.
Rayudu joins chorus: “You have so much more in the tank”
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu also urged Kohli not to give up on the format he once fiercely championed. In a heartfelt plea on social media, Rayudu echoed the sentiment of many Indian fans who still believe Kohli has plenty to offer in whites.
“Virat Kohli please don’t retire.. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India.. Please reconsider..” — Ambati Rayudu
Waiting on Kohli’s call
While there has been no official statement yet from Kohli, the pressure—both from within the BCCI and outside it—is mounting. Kohli had already retired from T20Is alongside Rohit Sharma after India’s 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados. If he exits the Test scene as well, the iconic duo would be left representing India only in ODIs.
Meanwhile, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is set to name the India ‘A’ squad for its tour of England, with three four-day games against England Lions scheduled from May 30 in Canterbury. But it’s the senior team that’s facing bigger questions.
And the biggest one of all—will Kohli walk out one more time in whites, or will India begin a new red-ball chapter without its most commanding presence?
