Virat Kohli's wish to lead Indian Test team again turned down; told teammates “I am done” during BGT 2024: Report

Kohli has reportedly communicated his decision to retire from Test cricket to the board.

Virat Kohli | GettyIn a major development, India’s star batter 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 ahead of the team selection for the upcoming England tour.

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 over 9,000 runs and 30 centuries in the format, Kohli's presence at the crease has been nothing short of remarkable. However, he hasn’t at his best in Test cricket lately.

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.

According to a TOI report, Kohli gave multiple “I am done” reminders to Indian teammates during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 but the notion was dismissed back then.

As Virat Kohli did an exceptional job with the bat in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, the discussions regarding his Test future took a backseat.

Ahead of the fast-approaching England tour, however, Kohli reached out to the BCCI and said he wanted to call it a day in the traditional format.

While the board wants Kohli to reconsider his decision and be that flight to England, the ball seems to be in star batter’s court now.

The reported also claimed that Kohli expressed his desire to lead the Test side again but it wasn't entertained by the BCCI as they had an eye on the future, and wanted to groom a young leader for the WTC 2025-27 cycle.

As reported earlier, Shubman Gill has been earmarked as the leader for the future. "A new WTC cycle is starting. Future and continuity has to be kept in mind as far as the team is concerned. Even coach Gautam Gambhir would want a set of players he is likely to work with for an extended period. There can't be any stop-gap solutions for such an important series. The last two Test series haven't been ideal for the team and the England series is very crucial," a source tracking developments had told TOI.

Virat Kohli has played 123 Tests and scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 10 May, 2025

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