India’s star batter Virat Kohli has reportedly expressed his desire to retire from the longest format of the game ahead of the team’s much-anticipated five-Test tour of England.

According to multiple sources close to the BCCI, the 36-year-old has communicated his decision to the BCCI. This move comes just days after Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket with immediate effect.

While Kohli 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 stalwart slammed a second innings hundred (100*) at Perth but managed to amass only 90 runs in his other eight innings combined.

However, the Indian board is not ready to let go of Virat Kohli just yet. Sources suggest that top officials have reached out to Kohli, urging him to reconsider his decision, especially with significant tours around the corner.

“He's still incredibly fit and hungry. His presence in the dressing room lifts the entire team,” said a senior BCCI official on condition of anonymity, as quoted by IANS. “We've requested him to take some time before making a final call.”

While Kohli is yet to make any public statement, fans and cricket experts have flooded social media with messages of support, hoping the modern-day great gives another thought to his decision.

With Rohit calling time on his Test career 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.