Last Updated:
Virat Kohli is unlikely to reconsider his decision to retire from Tests before the England series, despite BCCI’s efforts to persuade him to stay.
Virat Kohli is looking to retire from Test cricket. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Ace India batter Virat Kohli is unlikely to reconsider his decision to retire from Tests with just over a month left for the England series, even though BCCI are looking to try every possible way to make him stay, at least for the upcoming series, in which his experience is considered to be crucial.
According to a report in The Times of India, Kohli, after having got a request from BCCI to reconsider his decision, in the wake of India ODI skipper Rohit Sharma retiring from Tests ahead of the England series as well, hasn’t backed down from his stand.
The report adds that BCCI and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee are still trying to convince Kohli to tour and shore up India’s inexperienced middle order on such a crucial tour of England.
“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,” sources told The Times of India.
Kohli has had a brilliant Test career but has struggled in the format recently. In Australia in late 2024, the repetitive manner of his dismissals, caught poking outside off stump, even raised questions about whether he still deserved a permanent place in the team.
Despite Kohli’s recent struggles and prolonged lean patch, the Agarkar-led selection committee are keen that he be present in India’s team in England to lend experience to a new-look side in which Shubman Gill might be the captain.
Kohli’s unavailability, if it happens, can present a new headache for the Agarkar-led selection committee regarding his replacement at No. 4 in the batting order.
If Kohli does not reconsider his decision to retire, the committee may be forced to look at either Shreyas Iyer or Karun Nair as replacements.
As of now, Kohli hasn’t made any official announcement, and it is believed that he will be requested to compete in the upcoming five-Test series in England as his experience will be required in challenging conditions.
Rajat Patidar has emerged as a strong contender to replace Sarfaraz Khan in the team, the report says.
- First Published:
