Amid ongoing discussions about Virat Kohli’s potential retirement from Test cricket, West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara has spoken out. He believes Kohli’s presence is crucial for the future of Test cricket and that the Indian batsman still has a lot to offer in terms of performance.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Lara wrote, “Test cricket needs Virat! He will be convinced. He is not retiring from Test cricket.” He also shared a photo with Kohli, adding, “He will continue playing with an average above 60 in the remainder of his Test career.” Lara has full confidence in the 36-year-old Kohli’s ability and enthusiasm.
This comment comes at a time when a report by the Times of India claimed that Kohli had personally expressed his intention to step away from Test cricket.
Since making his Test debut in 2011, Kohli has played 123 matches, scoring 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and averaging 46.85—numbers that have taken him to an extraordinary level in Indian cricket.
While Kohli has not officially announced his retirement yet, Brian Lara’s support and comments suggest that many in the cricketing world hope the star will continue to play Test cricket for some more time.
Recently, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin announced their retirements from Test cricket. In this context, Kohli’s presence is seen as very significant by many.
UA / TDS
