Virat Kohli to be forced by 'highly influential BCCI figure' to reverse Test retirement decision

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to have a conversation with Virat Kohli about his reported decision to retire from Test cricket. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI is expected to approach Kohli in an attempt to convince him to continue playing in the longest format of the game.

Virat Kohli has informed of his decision to retire from Tests before the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, according to reports. This news came after India Test captain Rohit Sharma revealed his retirement from the red-ball format ahead of the five-match Test series in England, set to start on June 20.

BCCI Looking to Change Virat Kohli’s Mind on Test Cricket Retirement

According to Cricbuzz, a 'highly influential figure' in Indian cricket is set to meet with Virat Kohli to convince him to continue playing Test cricket. The meeting is likely to take place before the Test squad for the upcoming series is selected, which is scheduled for May 23.

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"A highly influential figure in Indian cricket is expected to meet the star batter to persuade him to continue in the longest format of the game. The meeting is expected to be held before the Test squad selection, which is tentatively scheduled for May 23," the report read.

BCCI Plans Media Conference to Introduce New Test Captain

The report added that the exact venue for the BCCI meeting with Virat Kohli to discuss his reported decision to retire from Test cricket remains unconfirmed. A media conference is set to announce India's new Test captain. The selection for the India A squad, which will also tour England, is expected soon.

The BCCI has previously been successful in convincing players like Rohit Sharma to step down from the Test captaincy, and there may have been discussions with Kohli before Rohit’s retirement announcement.

While it's uncertain whether Kohli will be persuaded to continue playing Test cricket, there is hope. The Board is also eager to understand Kohli's reasons for stepping away from Test cricket, particularly since he had maintained an impressive average above 50 until recently.

Virat Kohli's Potential Test Retirement Sends Shockwaves

The news of Virat Kohli's potential retirement from Test cricket has sent shockwaves through the cricket world.

For the unversed, Kohli is India's third-highest run-scorer in Tests. He has scored 9,230 runs from 123 matches, with an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. However, his recent form has been a concern, with an average of under 23 in his last 10 Test appearances.

Kohli struggled in India's consecutive Test series losses to New Zealand (0-3) and Australia (1-3). He had poor performances during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, where he managed only 190 runs in nine innings, despite a strong start with a century in the opening match in Perth.

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