In what could be a seismic moment for Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the BCCI of his desire to step away from Test cricket, casting serious doubt over his participation in the upcoming five-match series against England, starting June 20. While an official announcement is awaited, sources close to the board suggest Kohli has mentally prepared himself for a possible farewell from the longest format.
This news comes close on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket, and together, their exits mark the end of an era. Both stalwarts had already retired from T20Is following India’s T20 World Cup victory in Barbados last year, signalling the beginning of a generational shift. Kohli’s potential departure now leaves a significant void in the Indian red-ball setup.
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A senior BCCI official has reportedly reached out to Kohli, hoping to convince him to reconsider. The selectors are expected to meet soon to name the squad for the England tour, which also serves as the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle. Losing a player of Kohli’s stature at this stage would be a major setback, not just in terms of experience, but also leadership and presence.
Kohli’s recent Test form hasn’t been at its peak. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, he scored just 186 runs in five matches. Though he struck a century in Perth, consistency eluded him. However, his career record—8,895 runs in 105 Tests with 27 centuries—cements his legacy as one of India’s finest.
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Social media has been abuzz with emotional tributes and calls from fans urging the BCCI to retain Kohli in the Test fold. If he does step away, India’s middle order will depend heavily on rising stars like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal to carry the torch forward.
Man that perth century was so good. If one notices that was proper Virat Kohli shots and I cld see the old him coming back but dk how did that tour ended horribly.
Do consider after the England series @imVkohli . Love you always ❤️ pic.twitter.com/veUDNv9voq
— Ayush (@yush_18) May 10, 2025
No Virat Kohli, you just can’t do this, not right now, pleaseee, I beg of you, I’m not in a state to bear this trauma😭
— Ikshvaku (@ikshvaku4) May 10, 2025
My grandfather : stopped watching cricket when Kapil Dev retired.
My father : stopped when Sachin retired.
If Virat Kohli : retires from Tests today… I’ll stop too.
BCCI, please convince him to stay—Test cricket needs its KING pic.twitter.com/NHcQNUv6x8
— The sports (@the_sports_x) May 10, 2025
