Virat Kohli has reportedly expressed his desire to retire from the longest format of the game.
According to multiple sources close to the BCCI, the 36-year-old has communicated his decision to the board. This development comes just days after Rohit Sharma called time on his Test career with immediate effect.
While Kohli has 9230 runs and 30 centuries to his name from 123 Tests, he hasn't had a fruitful time in the traditional format of late.
During India’s last Test series against Australia, the batting stalwart slammed a second innings hundred (100*) at Perth but managed to amass only 90 runs in his other eight innings combined. As a result, his career Test average has dropped to 46.85.
Despite the underwhelming display, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has urged Virat Kohli to reconsider his reported decision to retire from Test cricket.
"Virat Kohli please don’t retire.. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India.. Please reconsider..," Rayudu wrote on social media platform X.
Virat Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has played a key role in India's red-ball resurgence over the past decade. His aggressive captaincy, prolific batting and unmatched intensity helped India dominate Test cricket both at home and abroad.
With Rohit hanging up his boots from Tests and R Ashwin pulling the curtains down during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah will be the only two seniors starting the England tour, if Kohli does remain adamant on his call.
There are reports claiming that Shubman Gill could be named the Indian captain for the England tour, starting on June 20 in Leeds.