India’s Test cricket team could suffer another shock in the wake of Rohit Sharma’s retirement, with ESPNCricinfo reporting that Virat Kohli is set to follow in his mate’s footsteps.
Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention to retire from Test cricket following the upcoming five-match series against England, which begins on June 20. This decision, if finalized, would mark the end of a remarkable 14-year Test career during which Kohli amassed 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.
Despite not being his best format, Kohli has played the role of India’s batting linchpin ever since he debuted in 2011.
Kohli’s tenure as Test captain was particularly noteworthy; he led India in 68 matches, securing 40 victories—the most by any Indian captain—and positioning him fourth on the all-time list of Test match wins as captain, behind Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh.
In recent times, however, Kohli’s form in the longest format has seen a decline. Since his career-best 254 not out against South Africa in 2019, his average has dipped, and over the past two years, he has averaged 32.56 in Tests. His century in Perth in November 2024 was his first in over a year, highlighting the challenges he has faced.
Despite these struggles, Kohli’s experience is considered invaluable, especially as the Indian team undergoes a transition. With Rohit Sharma retiring from Test cricket earlier this week and other senior players like R. Ashwin stepping away, Kohli remains one of the few seasoned figures in the squad, alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah.
While the BCCI has reportedly urged Kohli to reconsider his decision, emphasizing his importance to the team, the final call rests with the player. Should he proceed with retirement, Indian cricket will bid farewell to one of its modern greats and look for someone to fill some massive shoes.
Virat Kohli’s Test Cricket Stats (Batting and Fielding)
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 123 | 210 | 13 | 9230 | 254* | 46.85 | 16608 | 55.57 | 30 | 31 | 1027 | 30 | 121 | 0 |
