Soon after the retirement announcement of Rohit Sharma from the Test format, rumors started circulating that perhaps Virat Kohli has entertained thoughts of quitting red-ball cricket as well. Apparently, this news may have been conveyed to the BCCI, who are now apparently trying to dissuade him from the decision.
Were this to be true, it would mean saying goodbye to a stellar career in the sport. Kohli is generally hailed as one of the finest batsmen of this generation, having aggregated 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, with 30 hundreds and 31 fifties to his name. He has had an illustrious stint as the main Test captain for India as well.
India is all set for the next ICC World Test Championship, which begins with an arduous five-match series in England next month. Now with Rohit’s retirement, another exit such as Kohli’s may leave the side devoid of experience that might be crucial in challenging conditions where the Indian batters are surely going to be tested. Kohli has scored 1,096 runs in 17 Test matches in England with 2 hundreds and 5 fifties.
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The year 2023 has been one of peaks and troughs in Kohli’s Test career–with his last century coming against Australia in Perth in July 2023. Post the century, Kohli has put up some disappointing innings, with India losing the five-match series 3-1. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif considers that the 36-year-old should delay his retirement and head to England “to prove a point” and end his career on a strong note. He stated, “Virat Kohli, India’s lion, is thinking about retirement. I believe he should go to England, make a statement, and end on a high note, just like he did during the 2024 T20 World Cup.”
Other former cricketers like Brian Lara and Navjot Sidhu also feel he should reconsider. Lara stated, “Test cricket needs Virat!! He’s NOT going to retire… he will average above 60 for the rest of his Test career.”
