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India’s legendary batter Virat Kohli has informed the BCCI of his intention to retire from Test cricket, sources close to the development revealed, with the five-match Test series in England around the corner.
The 36-year-old has reportedly been in talks with top BCCI officials for the past month, exploring the possibility of stepping away from the longest format of the game, a format he once ruled and revolutionised as captain.
Should Kohli follow through with this decision, it would mark the end of a remarkable red-ball career that has spanned over 14 years.
Having already retired from T20Is in 2024 following India’s World Cup triumph, Kohli’s Test exit would signal the closing of an era for Indian cricket, especially coming so soon after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format.
Despite reports suggesting Virat Kohli might be included in the squad for the England series, primarily due to his vast experience, clarity is still awaited.
With India set to tour under a new Test captain, his presence could prove vital, even if just to steady a transitional phase.
Statistically, Kohli’s Test journey boasts 123 matches and 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including a memorable tenure as captain across 68 Tests.
However, his red-ball form has seen a noticeable decline, with his average dipping to 32.56 in the past two years, despite a century in Perth in late 2024.
Kohli remains among the elite A+ category in the BCCI’s central contracts — a bracket usually reserved for all-format players.
But with T20Is already behind him and his future in Tests uncertain, a shift in his cricketing priorities seems increasingly likely.
It’s worth noting that the Test series between India and England will kick off on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, followed by matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.
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