Virat Kohli informs BCCI of decision to hang up his boots from Test cricket: Reports

Indian cricket fans were dealt a huge shock on Saturday regarding Virat Kohli’s future in the longest format. ESPN Cricinfo reported that Kohli has relayed his decision to retire from Test cricket to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This will be the second big blow for India after Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement. 

Meanwhile, one BCCI source speaking to the Indian Express said, “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”. Team India is set to play five Test matches in England starting in June.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test Cricket

Rohit Sharma’s retirement came after his disappointing time with the bat in the series against New Zealand and Australia. Kohli had scored a century in the Perth Test but then lost his form in the final four games of the series. The 36-year-old scored 190 runs in the Australian series, including his unbeaten ton. 

New look Team India set to tour England?

With the possible retirement of Virat Kohli on the horizon, there is a good chance that Team India could go to England with a new side. Rohit Sharma and Kohli have been a key part of India’s Test side for over a decade. Shubman Gill, who is rumoured to be the new captain, will have to depend on the experience of KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant during the upcoming tour. 

Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and has played 123 games so far, scoring 9230 runs. The 36-year-old has hit 30 centuries and 31 fifties with an average of 46 in his 14-year Test career. At one stage, Kohli’s Test average was well over 50, but the last few years have seen the batter’s form take a sharp nosedive. 

The 36-year-old also led India from 2015 to 2022 before stepping down post the South African tour. In 68 games as the Test captain, Kohli led the side to 40 wins with 17 losses and 11 drawn games with a win percentage of 58.82.