In a development that could reshape the landscape of Indian cricket, reports have emerged indicating that Virat Kohli is poised to retire from Test cricket ahead of the highly anticipated five-match series against England, set to commence on June 20, 2025, at Headingley. Following the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Kohli was expected to step into a leadership role, guiding the team in challenging English conditions. However, multiple sources, including The Indian Express, have stated that Kohli has communicated his desire to step away from red-ball cricket, leaving the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) scrambling to persuade him to reconsider his decision.
As per reports from May 10, 2025, Kohli has made it clear to BCCI officials that he does not wish to participate in the upcoming series. "He has made up his mind and has informed the board that he is moving on from Test cricket. The BCCI has urged him to rethink as the crucial England tour is coming up. He is yet to revert on the request," a source revealed. This news comes at a tumultuous time for the Indian cricket team, already reeling from Sharma's retirement, which has left a significant gap in the batting lineup.
Kohli's Test career, which has spanned over 14 years, includes 123 matches where he has amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, along with 30 centuries. However, his performance in Tests has waned in recent years. Since 2020, Kohli has averaged just 30.72 in 39 Tests, with only three centuries to his name. His struggles were particularly evident during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he averaged 23.75, managing to score only 190 runs across four matches.
Despite his declining form in Tests, Kohli's experience remains invaluable, especially as the team prepares for the England tour under new captain Shubman Gill, who is expected to take over following Sharma's exit. The selectors and team management have expressed their belief that Kohli's presence could facilitate a smoother transition in the dressing room, particularly amidst reports of fractures within the team dynamics during the recent Australian series.
Historically, Kohli has had mixed results in England. He averages 33.21 in 17 Tests on English soil, with two centuries to his name, including a stellar performance during the 2018 tour where he was the top run-scorer with 583 runs at an average of 59.30. This performance came after a disappointing outing in 2014, where he managed only 134 runs in ten innings. That year, 2018, marked Kohli's best aggregate year, wherein he scored 1,322 runs.
As the cricketing world watches closely, Kohli's potential retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His leadership saw India achieve unprecedented success, including a historic Test series victory in Australia during the 2018-19 season. Under his captaincy, India won 40 out of 68 matches, making him the most successful Test captain in the nation's history.
The BCCI's efforts to retain Kohli in the squad for the England series underscore the significance of his experience, especially with the team also missing veteran players like R. Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket earlier this year. The absence of such seasoned players raises questions about the team's stability and performance in the upcoming series.
While Kohli's future in Test cricket remains uncertain, he continues to shine in limited-overs formats. Currently, he ranks as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, having scored 505 runs at an impressive average of 63.12 for Royal Challengers Bangalore. His form in the IPL stands in stark contrast to his recent Test performances, showcasing his ability to adapt to different formats.
As fans and analysts speculate about Kohli's next move, the looming question remains: will he heed the BCCI's request and reconsider his retirement decision? The cricketing community is undoubtedly on edge as it awaits an official statement from the star batsman.
In conclusion, the potential retirement of Virat Kohli from Test cricket not only signifies a personal milestone for the player but also presents a pivotal moment for Indian cricket as it navigates through a period of transition. With the England series approaching, the ramifications of this decision will undoubtedly resonate throughout the sport.
