Virat Kohli retires from test cricket, another shock for the Indian test cricket team after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. According to ESPNCricinfo, Virat Kohli has decided to follow in the footsteps of his mate.
Virat Kohli, a famous Indian cricketer, has informed BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) about his intention to retire from Test Cricket after the upcoming five-match series against England, which begins on 20 June 2025. This would conclude a glorious 14-year Test career where he scored 9,230 runs in 123 matches, averaging 46.85, including 30 centuries. Despite test cricket not being his strongest format, Kohli has been a key batsman for India since his debut in 2011.
As captain of the Test cricket team, Kohli’s tenure was notable, leading India in 68 matches with 40 victories, the most by any Indian captain, placing him 4th place in all-time test match wins as captain. However, his recent form in the longest format has declined. Since his career-best 254 not-out in 2019 against South Africa, his average has lowered, averaging 32.56 in tests over the past two years. His century in November 2024 in Perth was his first in over a year, highlighting the challenges he had faced.
Virat Kohli, despite these struggles, has experience that is highly valued during the period of transitions of the Indian cricket team. Especially with the recent retirement of Rohit Sharma from the Test Cricket team and other seniors like R. Ashwin stepping away. Kohli, along with Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah, is now one of the few experienced players in the squad.
However, BCCI has urged him to reconsider, highlighting his importance in the team. Ultimately, the decision rests with Kohli. If he does retire, Indian cricket will lose a significant player and will need to find a replacement.
