The news of Virat Kohli‘s intention to retire from Test cricket came as a shock to the cricket community. Sources indicate that the BCCI has strongly urged Kohli to travel to England, but the final decision remains in his hands. He has not yet provided a response to the board’s appeal.
An insider from the BCCI verified the information, mentioning that the board had recommended Kohli to take some time before making a final decision regarding his retirement. “He’s still incredibly fit and hungry. His presence in the dressing room lifts the entire team, We’ve requested him to take some time before making a final call,” said a senior BCCI official was quoted by NDTV.
According to another report by The Times of India, Kohli had asked the BCCI to be reinstated as the Test captain. However, the board rejected his request, opting for a younger leader instead, with Shubman Gill emerging as a possible successor. “A new WTC cycle is starting. Future and continuity have to be kept in mind as far as the team is concerned. Even coach Gautam Gambhir would want a set of players he is likely to work with for an extended period. There can’t be any stop-gap solutions for such an important series. The last two series haven’t been ideal for the team and the England series is crucial,” a source was quoted by TOI.
The report also suggested that Kohli had expressed to his teammates during the tour of Australia that he was considering stepping away from Test cricket. Kohli had a difficult stint in Australia, scoring only 190 runs in five Tests, which included just a single century. It remains unclear whether his recent loss of form or the BCCI’s decision not to restore him as captain influenced his choice.