BIG step from BCCI, calls ‘highly influential cricketing figure’ to stop Virat Kohli’s possible Test retirement
New Delhi: The BCCI is attempting to persuade Virat Kohli to reconsider his reported intention to retire from Test cricket. Following a report that Kohli informed the BCCI of his retirement plans before the upcoming England series, the board has contacted a prominent figure within cricket to speak with Kohli and encourage him to change his mind. The BCCI emphasizes the significance of Kohli’s continued participation in Test cricket, particularly given upcoming matches, including the England tour.
“Yes, to convince Virat Kohli to reconsider his potential Test cricket retirement plans, the BCCI has called on a highly influential cricketing figure to speak to the talismanic cricketer in the coming days and convince him to prolong his career in the longest format, especially considering the tour of England is around the corner,” sources told IANS.
India’s upcoming five-Test series in England signifies the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle. While there was speculation regarding Virat Kohli’s participation, it appears his potential absence stems from considering retirement from Test cricket, a format he has previously expressed great fondness for.
“That highly influential cricketing figure was also the one who spoke to Rohit Sharma as well, although that was a completely different scenario, as he later announced his retirement from Tests.”
“Though Kohli is a person who doesn’t really change his mind quickly, the highly influential cricketing figure’s words may have some influence on his decision-making and thoughts over his Test cricket future,” added sources.
Virat Kohli’s extensive Test career, spanning 123 matches and 9230 runs since 2011, is potentially ending. His retirement from Test cricket would significantly deplete India’s experience, particularly during their upcoming tour of England, especially considering Rohit Sharma’s absence.
With Rohit Sharma’s retirement, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill become the senior-most top-order batsmen. Similarly, if Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket, Rishabh Pant will be the most experienced middle-order batsman. Gill is considered the leading contender to captain the Test team, though Rahul, Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah are also potential candidates.
Following India’s Men’s T20 World Cup victory in Barbados last year, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20 International cricket. Should Kohli also retire from Test matches, their future international appearances would be limited to One Day Internationals.
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