Virat Kohli has expressed his intention to retire from Test cricket prior to the upcoming series in England, according to Sky Sports News.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has chosen not to comment on the matter but has not denied Kohli’s retirement plans.
Sources reveal that the 36-year-old communicated his desire to step back from Test matches to chief selector Ajit Agarkar in April, aiming to retire before the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle commences in June.
Upcoming Schedule and Kohli’s Role
Agarkar and a BCCI representative are scheduled to meet with Kohli, but these plans are currently on hold due to heightened tensions at the India-Pakistan border, which have led the government to advise citizens against travel.
India is set to face Ben Stokes’ England team in five Test matches, starting at Headingley in Leeds on June 20 and concluding at The Kia Oval in London on July 31, all broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Kohli’s Test Career Statistics
Kohli has accumulated 9,230 runs, with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, achieving an average of 46.85 over 123 Tests, of which he captained 68.
His performance in the last two years has seen his average drop to just over 32, with his most recent century occurring against Australia last November—a milestone he hasn’t reached since July 2023.
Context of Retirement
Sources indicate that Kohli informed the BCCI of his retirement plans even before Rohit Sharma announced his own retirement from Test cricket, stating it felt like an appropriate time to step away.
Shubman Gill is the likely candidate to take over the captaincy role, despite current vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah previously filling in for Rohit during Test series in Australia.
Kohli’s Impact and Future
Kohli, part of the renowned ‘Fab Four’ alongside Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson, might be the first among them to leave Test cricket. Despite his illustrious career, he holds the lowest average and fewest Test runs among the group.
His decision to retire likely stems from a mix of personal performance, teammate dynamics, and a desire to focus on one-day internationals and the IPL, where he has thrived.
Kohli’s Historical Performance in England
Throughout his career, Kohli has recorded 1,096 runs in 17 Test matches in England, with a notable performance during the 2018 tour where he scored two centuries and finished as the leading run-scorer.
Kohli’s Captaincy Legacy
Kohli captained India in 68 Tests, securing 40 wins and solidifying his status as the fourth most successful captain in men’s Test history. His leadership was instrumental in fostering a greater focus on Test cricket for the team.
