Virat Kohli has officially communicated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he wishes to retire from Test cricket ahead of India’s upcoming five-match Test series against England, which is set to begin on June 20, 2025. This decision comes just days after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the longest format, marking a significant transition period for Indian cricket.
Details of Kohli’s Decision
Kohli has reportedly been contemplating retirement from Test cricket since December 2024, following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where his performance drew criticism despite an unbeaten century in the first Test.
- Over the last five years, Kohli’s Test form has seen a decline: he scored only 1,990 runs in 37 Tests with three centuries, a noticeable drop from his earlier standards.
- His recent average in Tests has dipped to 32.56 over the past 24 months, compared to a career peak of 55.10.
- Kohli has played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, and captained India in 68 of those matches.
BCCI’s Response
- The BCCI has urged Kohli to reconsider his decision, especially with the crucial England tour approaching.
- As of now, Kohli has not responded to the board’s request to rethink his retirement.
- The Indian selectors are expected to meet soon to finalize the squad for the England series, and Kohli’s absence would leave a significant gap in the batting lineup.
Context and Impact
- Kohli’s potential retirement, following Rohit Sharma’s exit from Tests, would mean the Indian Test side will be without its two most experienced and successful batters, raising concerns about the team’s experience and leadership in the red-ball format.
- Shubman Gill is considered the frontrunner to take over as Test captain.
- Kohli has spoken publicly about the mental and emotional toll of playing under pressure and the importance of honesty about his energy levels and motivation.
Summary Table: Kohli’ Recent Test Career
| Period | Matches | Runs | Centuries | Average |
| Last 5 Years | 37 | 1,990 | 3 | 32.56 |
| Career Total | 123 | 9,230 | 29 | 46.65 |
Quotes and Statements
He has made up his mind and has informed the board that he is moving on from Test cricket. The BCCI has urged him to rethink as the crucial England tour is coming up. He is yet to revert on the request.” – BCCI official.
Also Read: Who will be the next captain for team India in test cricket ?
Once you start taking on the energy and the disappointment from the outside, then you start burdening yourself way more… And then you start thinking about things, like ‘I’ve got two or three days left on this tour, I need to make an impact now’. And you start getting more desperate. That’s something I’ve surely experienced in Australia as well.” – Virat Kohli
Conclusion
Virat Kohli has informed the BCCI of his intent to retire from Test cricket, a decision he has been weighing for several months. The BCCI is actively trying to persuade him to reconsider, but as of now, Kohli appears firm in his resolve. If he follows through, Indian cricket will face a new era without two of its modern greats in the Test arena.
