Virat Kohli, one of India’s most successful batters, is reportedly planning to retire from Test cricket. While the BCCI has requested him to reconsider his decision ahead of the crucial five-match Test series against England, there has been no response from Kohli so far. According to a report by the Times of India, citing board sources, the veteran batter remains firm on his stance.
The report states that Kohli informed the selectors about his decision two weeks ago, clearly stating his intention to bring his Test career to an end.
With Rohit Sharma also potentially considering retirement from Tests, the BCCI fears that the Indian Test side could face an experience crisis. Kohli’s absence in a high-profile series like the England tour could leave a significant void in India’s middle order.
While Shubman Gill is being considered for the captaincy, finding a solid replacement at the crucial No. 4 batting position remains a major challenge for the selectors. Shreyas Iyer or Karun Nair could be potential options, but their lack of recent experience in Test cricket raises concerns over their readiness.
Despite the uncertainty, the BCCI is still hopeful that Kohli will reconsider his decision before the final squad announcement. While his form in Tests has been questioned at times, many believe his presence and leadership in the dressing room remain invaluable to the team.
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