The BCCI has requested Virat Kohli to participate in the upcoming five-match Test series in England, but he has not yet given a response to the board’s appeal.
Virat Kohli’s Future in Test Cricket: Reports of Retirement and Captaincy Demands Surface
Kohli’s Test Career in Question as BCCI Awaits Response
Reports circulating on social media have fueled rumors about Virat Kohli’s potential retirement from Test cricket. On Saturday, the Times of India (TOI) reported that Kohli had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his desire to retire from the longest format of the game. However, the BCCI is still waiting for a formal response from the star batsman regarding their request for him to play in the upcoming five-match Test series in England.
Speaking to NDTV, a source within the BCCI confirmed the situation, stating that the board has urged Kohli to take some time before making a final decision on retirement. “He’s still incredibly fit and hungry. His presence in the dressing room lifts the entire team,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying. “We’ve requested him to take some time before making a final call.”
Captaincy Request Denied: BCCI Looks to the Future
Another TOI report claimed that Kohli had asked the BCCI to reinstate him as the Test captain. However, the board rejected the request, with plans to appoint a younger player—likely Shubman Gill—as the future leader. The report emphasized the importance of continuity in the team for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which begins with the series in England.
“A new WTC cycle is starting. The future and continuity of the team must be considered. Even coach Gautam Gambhir would prefer working with a consistent group of players for an extended period,” the report read. “There can’t be any stop-gap solutions for such an important series. The last two series haven’t been ideal for the team, and the England series is crucial.”
Fans and Experts Hope for Kohli’s Continued Test Career
While Kohli has not made a public statement regarding his retirement or captaincy request, social media has been flooded with messages of support from fans and former cricketers, hoping that the modern-day legend will give Test cricket another shot.
With India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma already announcing his retirement from the format, Kohli’s decision will have a significant impact on India’s batting order as the new WTC cycle begins with the five-match Test series in England starting on June 20. If Kohli steps away from the format, India’s red-ball batting lineup will heavily rely on younger talent to take charge.
