In a move that has stunned Indian cricket fans and rattled the cricketing ecosystem, Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his intention to retire from Test cricket ahead of the England tour. The five-match Test series, which begins on June 20, now risks proceeding without two of India’s modern-day icons, with Rohit Sharma already having called time on his red-ball career.
Sources close to the BCCI suggest that Kohli has communicated his decision in private, with senior officials now making an urgent appeal to the legendary batter to reconsider. If confirmed, Kohli’s departure would mark the end of a glittering Test career spanning over 105 matches, 8,895 runs, and 27 centuries—figures that define greatness in every sense.
As the news broke early Friday morning, social media erupted. #PleaseStayKohli and #BCCIConvinceKohli began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans from all corners of the country pleading for the BCCI to intervene.
One emotional user wrote, “If Virat Kohli retires today, I’ll stop watching cricket. BCCI, please convince him—Test cricket needs its KING.” Another post echoed the sentiment: “Where is the ‘never give up’ attitude we grew up watching? You can’t go like this, not now.”
Virat’s intensity, passion, and unmatched charisma have not just inspired a generation of cricketers, but also redefined how Indians perceive Test cricket. Fans shared emotional montages of his iconic centuries, sledging duels, and spirited celebrations—each one a moment of history.
Though his recent form has seen dips—just 186 runs in five Tests during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia—Kohli’s overall Test resume speaks volumes. His 141 at Adelaide, 200 at North Sound, and recent ton in Perth are etched in memory for their technique, grit, and sheer dominance.
What sets Kohli apart is his hunger and ability to stand tall in hostile conditions. His overseas record is among the best by an Indian batsman, and under his captaincy, India conquered Australia in a Test series for the first time ever.
His Test career has not just been about personal milestones but also about elevating Team India’s stature globally. His aggressive leadership, fitness-first culture, and belief in playing for wins have left an indelible mark.
If Kohli does walk away before the England tour, the implications are significant. With Rohit Sharma already gone, India’s top order suddenly looks short on experience. Youngsters like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul will have to shoulder tremendous responsibility in a tough English summer.
The upcoming series is also the start of the new World Test Championship cycle—an unfortunate time to lose a player who’s been pivotal in India’s red-ball success.
Beyond numbers, Kohli’s departure leaves a void of leadership, energy, and star power—intangibles that no stat sheet can quantify.
A senior BCCI official, speaking to sources under anonymity, confirmed that the board has made a final request to Kohli to delay his decision until after the England tour. As of now, Kohli has not issued a public statement—leaving a sliver of hope alive for fans clinging to the possibility of a farewell tour, or perhaps a swansong series.
