Virat Kohli: On May 7, Rohit Sharma made a shocking decision and announced his retirement from the longest format. It came as a surprise to many, as earlier some reports confirmed that Rohit was likely to lead India in the upcoming tour of England for five tests, starting on June 20.
But Rohit made it clear that he will not continue in Test cricket and will play ODIs for India. And now another big news story has broken out. The former Indian captian Virat Kohli is also willing to hang up his boots from the longest format of the game.
Virat, who has played 123 Tests for India, has talked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and confirmed that he is likely to retire from Test. That means the Indian management is in a situation where they might need to make some important decisions for the England tour.
IND vs ENG: BCCI is in talks with Virat Kohli to rethink his retirement decision.
India need to find the right replacement for Rohit as the Test captain. But another major decision will be on Virat Kohli. Will he be available or retire? However, some reports have come out that the Indian management has asked Virat to reconsider his decision. Notably, the meeting for squad selection is scheduled for May 23.
India will also announce the new test captain during the meeting or press conference. Some reports also confirmed that there are chances that Virat might reconsider his decision, but nothing is confirmed yet. The management wants to know the reason why Virat Kohli thought of this decision.
Earlier, it was assumed that Virat wanted to take a break from the England tour. But the report of him wanting to retire from Test has come as a major setback for the Indian cricket fraternity. So far, Virat has played 123 test matches and scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85.
He has scored 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries in red-ball cricket. Virat’s test form has dipped in the last few years, but his experience has not any alternate. He is in good form in the IPL 2025 and is looking confident. His inclusion in the England tour can benefit India. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill or Jasprit Bumrah are the frontrunners for the Test captaincy.
It will be interesting to see who will get the captaincy for India in the longest format. The England tour will be India’s first assignment in the World Test Championship 2025-27 and will be very important for the team.
When will India’s tour of England begin?
The five-match Test series between England and India will begin on June 20 in Leeds.
Who will be India’s next test captain?
Shubman Gill is the front-runner for the Test captain after Rohit Sharma.