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Amid growing speculation about his future in Test cricket, Virat Kohli has reportedly made it clear that retirement is not on his agenda anytime soon. The 36-year-old star batter, who faced a rough patch during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), is said to be focused on long-term goals, including representing India in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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Kohli’s Struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 proved to be a challenging series for Kohli, who managed to score just 190 runs in nine innings, with his lone century coming in the opening Test at Perth. Despite flashes of brilliance, his overall performance fell short of expectations.
One of the key talking points during the series was Kohli’s technical vulnerability outside the off-stump, a flaw consistently exploited by the Australian bowlers. Across his eight dismissals, he was caught fishing outside the off-stump, a recurring issue that highlighted his struggle against disciplined bowling.
Retirement Speculations
Kohli’s dip in form has fueled discussions about his future in Test cricket. Critics and fans alike have questioned whether he can maintain his place in India’s Test setup, especially with emerging talents waiting for opportunities.
Despite the chatter, Kohli is reportedly “in no mood to retire” and remains determined to overcome his current struggles. According to a PTI report, the former Indian captain is looking ahead to the future, with his sights set on playing through to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Selectors’ Dilemma
While Kohli’s commitment to Indian cricket is unquestionable, selectors face a tough decision regarding his place in the Test team. With India’s next major challenge in red-ball cricket being the England tour in June 2025, questions have been raised about whether Kohli’s current form justifies his selection.
A former national selector expressed reservations about picking Kohli—or Rohit Sharma—for the England series based solely on IPL performances or short-term form:
“There has to be some red-ball cricket for them in the lead-up to the England tour. It would be very hard for selectors to pick either Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli based on IPL performance or form.”
Kohli’s ODI Prospects
While doubts loom over his Test career, Kohli’s position in India’s ODI squad appears secure for now. His proven track record in limited-overs cricket and his ability to rise to the occasion in ICC events make him a key player for India’s ODI plans.
The Road Ahead
The coming months will be pivotal for Kohli as he looks to regain his form and silence his critics. To cement his place in the Test side, Kohli will need to work on his technical flaws and deliver consistent performances in domestic and international red-ball cricket.
For fans and selectors alike, the hope is that Kohli can rediscover the magic that once made him one of the most feared batsmen in the world. His determination to continue playing at the highest level suggests he is far from done, and if history is any guide, Kohli has the resilience and talent to stage a strong comeback.
As Indian cricket navigates a transitional phase, Kohli’s experience and leadership will remain invaluable. For now, the star batter seems ready to take on the challenges ahead, aiming to prove that his journey in cricket is far from over.
