Virat Kohli wants to retire from Test cricket before England tour; BCCI urges him to change his mind

Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket earlier this week had already shaken Indian cricket to its core. But to top it off, it now seems even Virat Kohli is preparing to hang up his boots in the longest format. That the two giants could step away within days of each other has triggered serious concern within the BCCI. And in Kohli's case, the impact cuts deeper — this is a player who has long been one of Test cricket's loudest advocates, often fronting global conversations around preserving the red-ball game.

According to the Indian Express, Kohli has informed the Indian cricket board of his desire to retire from Tests, although senior BCCI officials have requested him to rethink. "He has made up his mind and has informed the board that he is moving on from Test cricket. The BCCI has urged him to rethink as the crucial England tour is coming up. He is yet to revert on the request," the report said, quoting sources.

The selectors are due to meet in the coming days to finalise the squad for the five-match series in England next month. If Kohli sticks to his decision, it will see an Indian batting order without significant Test experience, barring KL Rahul (58 Tests). That will also mean the team will no longer have the calming presence of the two veterans who, between them, have led India in red-ball cricket for nearly 11 years; Kohli took over as Test captain in December 2014, and Rohit succeeded the prolific batter in the role in February 2022.