In a major revelation that could signal the end of an era, reports have emerged suggesting that Virat Kohli is seriously considering retirement from Test cricket. According to The Times of India, the former India captain had hinted at walking away from the longest format during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), but his remarks were dismissed at the time as a product of temporary frustration amid team pressure.
The report further claims that Kohli has been in discussions with BCCI officials about his retirement plans since April. His recent performances during the BGT tour in Australia have not lived up to the high standards he set earlier in his career. Across nine innings in the series, Kohli scored just 190 runs—with more than half of those coming in a single century knock.
If Kohli does stick to his decision, he will draw the curtain on a glorious Test career that has spanned over a decade, including 123 matches, 68 of which he led as captain. His record includes numerous historic wins, match-defining knocks, and a leadership legacy that transformed the face of Indian Test cricket.
Kohli’s century in the Perth Test last November was his first in Tests since July 2023. Once boasting a peak average of 55.1 following his unbeaten 254 against South Africa in 2019, his form has taken a noticeable dip—averaging just 32.56 in the format over the last two years.
Despite the form slump, the Indian team management had hoped to bank on Kohli’s experience for the upcoming Test series in England—especially given his remarkable showing there in 2018, where he scored 583 runs in five Tests at an average of 59.3 and emerged as the top run-scorer from both sides.
However, sources reveal that even before discussions around the England tour had begun, Kohli had already conveyed his intent to step away from Tests. This came as a shock to the selectors and team management, who still had him in their plans.
The recent Champions Trophy victory momentarily shifted focus away from Test cricket, but it appears Kohli has made a firm decision about his red-ball future.
Should he go ahead with his retirement, Indian cricket will lose one of its modern greats—an icon whose commitment, aggression, and passion made Test cricket exciting for a new generation.
For now, fans and the cricketing world await an official announcement. Whether Kohli will have one last hurrah in England or bow out quietly remains to be seen.
What do you think: Should Kohli retire from Tests now, or go for one final tour of England?
