A Bigger Question: What Happens to Test Cricket?
In a development that has stirred the cricketing world, Virat Kohli is reportedly planning to step away from Test cricket. According to multiple sources, the star Indian batter has conveyed his intent to retire from the longest format to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), just weeks before India begins their five-match Test series against England on June 20, 2025.
While no official statement has come from Kohli himself, internal sources claim that the veteran cricketer has made up his mind. If confirmed, this would signal the end of one of the most iconic Test careers in Indian cricket history.
Kohli’s Test Career: A Legacy Etched in Excellence
Over the years, Virat Kohli has emerged as a giant in the red-ball format. His accomplishments on the Test stage have been nothing short of extraordinary:
- Matches played: 123
- Total runs scored: Over 9,200
- Test centuries: 30
- Double hundreds: 7
- Batting average: Above 51
- Test wins as captain: 40 (most by an Indian skipper)
More than the numbers, Kohli’s intensity, consistency, and commitment to Test cricket have been defining features of his career. His era as captain witnessed India dominate at home and challenge the best teams abroad—most memorably, clinching a historic series win in Australia.
What Could Be Driving His Decision?
1. Long-Term Wear and Tear
At 36, Kohli has been playing non-stop cricket across all formats and leagues for over 15 years. Balancing national duties with IPL and other commitments, the physical and mental toll is undeniable. This may be the perfect time for him to reassess his priorities.
2. Transition in the Indian Team
With Rohit Sharma recently announcing his retirement from Test cricket, India is clearly moving into a new era. With young talents like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sarfaraz Khan stepping up, Kohli may feel it’s time to pass the torch.
3. Shifting Focus to White-Ball Formats
Kohli still remains a key figure in T20 and ODI formats. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, focusing on white-ball cricket could allow him to extend his career and stay at the top of his game.
BCCI Responds: Not Ready to Let Go
Reports suggest that after receiving Kohli’s message, the BCCI has requested him to reconsider his decision. Given his experience and influence, they believe he still has more to contribute to the red-ball format.
Former teammates and fans have also reacted emotionally, urging the former captain to continue. Ambati Rayudu, in a heartfelt message, pleaded with Kohli to rethink his retirement for the sake of Indian cricket.
Kohli has been more than a top-tier batter—he has been a staunch supporter of Test cricket in the era of fast-paced T20s. His dedication helped draw fans back to the format and brought a fresh sense of pride to donning whites.
His exit might not just affect India’s team composition but could dampen the popularity of Test cricket in the country—especially among younger audiences who followed Kohli’s aggressive, never-back-down approach.
What He Leaves Behind
If this is indeed the final leg of his Test journey, Kohli’s contribution goes far beyond runs:
- He raised the bar for fitness and discipline in Indian cricket.
- He brought back an aggressive, winning mentality, especially in overseas Tests.
- He nurtured a team that believed in fighting till the last ball.
His leadership and passion reshaped how India approached Test cricket, both on and off the field.
What’s Next?
While Kohli remains tight-lipped about his future, the upcoming squad announcement for the England series will be telling. If his name is missing, fans will have to accept that one of the finest careers in Test history has come to a close.
In Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s possible retirement from Test cricket could mark the end of an era. He played the game with unmatched passion, led with courage, and scored runs in all corners of the world. His absence will be deeply felt—not just in the dressing room, but also in the hearts of millions who saw him as the face of Indian Test cricket.
As we await clarity, one thing is certain: Kohli’s Test legacy is timeless, and his name will be remembered wherever cricket is played.
ashish
its very painful .