Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, reportedly hinted at retiring from Test cricket during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Despite starting the series with a century, Kohli struggled to maintain momentum, finishing with just 190 runs across nine innings. Sources suggest the 36-year-old had shared his thoughts about stepping away from the red-ball format with his teammates, citing frustration over repeated dismissals and a general feeling of being “done” with the format.
His decision, however, hasn’t been made official. With the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle beginning soon, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is believed to have urged Kohli to reconsider, especially in light of Rohit Sharma’s recent retirement from Tests—a move that already leaves a leadership and experience vacuum in the side.
The disappointing Test series in Australia didn’t just affect Kohli. Fellow senior batters like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill also failed to leave a lasting impact, compounding the team’s struggles. Kohli, who relinquished the Test captaincy following India’s series defeat in South Africa in 2022, has since stepped back from all leadership roles, including in limited-overs cricket and the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
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With a transitional phase underway, the Indian team management, under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, is reportedly viewing Shubman Gill as a long-term leadership prospect in the Test arena.
🏏 “This is my last tour” — VIRAT KOHLI drops a retirement bomb?
Did the cricket legend just hint at his final Test series after Australia? Fans left shocked! 👀
Full story ➡️ https://t.co/jrYsrdWTvg#ViratKohli #Cricket #INDvsAUS #ICC #TestCricket #BreakingNews #timesindian— Times Indian (@timesindianlive) May 10, 2025
“A new WTC cycle is starting, and continuity is key,” a source told The Times of India. “Gambhir would want to build a core group that he can rely on for the next few years. The last two Test series haven’t gone our way, and the upcoming England series will be crucial for setting the tone.”
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India’s five-match home Test series against England, beginning June 20, will mark the start of the 2025–27 WTC cycle.
