The BCCI has reportedly urged Kohli to reconsider his decision, emphasizing the importance of his experience and leadership in the upcoming series.
Will Virat Kohli Say Goodbye to Test Cricket? BCCI Tries to Convince Him as India Faces a Leadership Void….
Indian cricket is on the brink of a major transition. With Rohit Sharma having already announced his retirement from Test cricket, all eyes are now on Virat Kohli — who, according to sources, has expressed his desire to step away from the red-ball format as well. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly doing everything in its power to make him reconsider, but the efforts so far don’t seem to be working.
Kohli, one of India’s most successful and celebrated cricketers, has reportedly communicated his decision to the national selectors around two weeks ago. The timing is critical. India is set to host a five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025, and Kohli’s presence in the lineup could be crucial — especially given the current inexperience in India’s middle order. The BCCI has even reached out to a senior, highly respected figure in Indian cricket to talk to Kohli personally, hoping he might convince him to continue. But as of now, Kohli appears firm in his decision.
This situation has left Indian cricket in a tough spot. With Rohit gone and Kohli likely to follow, the Test team’s core is quickly dissolving. The selectors are under intense pressure, and with the team announcement expected soon, Kohli’s final decision will have a huge impact. Many fans and cricket analysts had hoped that Kohli, despite his recent struggles, would use the upcoming England series as a platform to bounce back. But reports suggest that his mind is already made up.
Kohli has had an incredible Test career — 123 matches, over 9,200 runs, 30 centuries — and his leadership helped India achieve historic overseas wins, including a memorable Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19. His legacy in the format is undeniable. But like every career, his journey in whites might be reaching its conclusion.
Adding to the selection headache, concerns are also growing around another senior player — Mohammed Shami. Since his Achilles tendon injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami has struggled with his rhythm and fitness. Insiders suggest that he is no longer an automatic choice in the Test squad, with his performance and fitness raising doubts. Even during the ongoing IPL, he has been unable to complete spells without discomfort, raising further questions about his readiness for the demanding five-day format.
All these developments are setting the stage for a massive shift in Indian cricket. If Kohli does not reverse his decision, the selectors will have to rebuild the team almost from scratch, especially in the batting department. The England tour, already crucial due to the quality of opposition, now takes on even more importance — it could mark the beginning of a new era for Indian Test cricket.
For now, fans await the final call from Kohli and the official squad announcement from the BCCI. The next few days will decide whether Indian cricket holds on to one of its greatest Test icons a little longer — or begins writing a new chapter without him.
