BCCI Seeks Influential Figure to Convince Virat Kohli Against Test Retirement
4 min read
By Senior News Editor, India Prime Times
May 11, 2025, 10:26 AM IST
In a dramatic turn of events, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is making a concerted effort to retain Virat Kohli, one of the finest Test batsmen of his generation, in the longest format of the game. Reports indicate that Kohli has informed the BCCI of his desire to retire from Test cricket, a decision that follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s recent exit from the format. With a critical five-match Test series against England looming, the BCCI has turned to a highly influential cricketing figure to persuade Kohli to reconsider, highlighting the potential crisis facing Indian cricket.
Background: A Potential Turning Point for Indian Cricket
Virat Kohli, often celebrated as the modern-day ambassador of Test cricket, has been a cornerstone of India’s Test team since his debut in 2011. Over 123 Test matches, he has amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 29 centuries. His leadership as captain in 68 Tests transformed India into a formidable Test side, particularly overseas. However, recent years have seen a dip in his form, with only 2,028 runs in 69 innings since 2020, including just three centuries. This decline has brought his career average down to 46, though he remains just 770 runs short of the coveted 10,000-run milestone in Tests.
The news of Kohli’s potential retirement, first reported by Cricbuzz, has stunned the cricketing world. It comes at a particularly inopportune time, as India prepares for a challenging tour of England starting June 20, 2025. This series marks the beginning of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, a campaign in which India aims to secure a strong start. The recent retirement of Rohit Sharma, another stalwart of the Test team, has already left a void, making Kohli’s potential departure a matter of grave concern for the BCCI.
The BCCI’s Response: A High-Stakes Intervention
Faced with the prospect of losing two of its biggest stars, the BCCI has taken extraordinary measures to retain Kohli. According to multiple sources, including IANS, the board has enlisted a “highly influential figure in Indian cricket,” reportedly a former BCCI official, to meet with Kohli in the coming days. This individual is tasked with convincing the 36-year-old to prolong his Test career, particularly given the importance of the upcoming England series.
The same figure reportedly spoke with Rohit Sharma before his Test retirement, though those discussions did not alter Sharma’s decision. Despite this, the BCCI remains hopeful that the influential figure’s intervention will resonate with Kohli. “Kohli is known for his firm decisions, but this person’s words carry significant weight,” a source told IANS. The board is also keen to understand the rationale behind Kohli’s decision, as it had urged him to reconsider in light of India’s upcoming Test commitments.
The meeting with Kohli is expected to take place before the announcement of the Indian Test squad for the England series, scheduled for May 23, 2025. The BCCI has planned a press conference on the same day to reveal the new Test captain, adding further urgency to the situation.
Implications for the Indian Test Team
Kohli’s potential retirement would have far-reaching consequences for the Indian Test team. With Rohit Sharma already retired, the top order will rely heavily on KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, while Rishabh Pant would become the most experienced middle-order batsman. While these players are immensely talented, they lack the Test experience of Kohli and Sharma, particularly in challenging conditions like those in England.
The captaincy question further complicates matters. With both Kohli and Sharma potentially unavailable, the BCCI must appoint a new Test captain. Shubman Gill has emerged as a frontrunner, with The Telegraph India reporting that he is in a race that also includes KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah. The decision will be pivotal as India navigates a transitional phase in Test cricket.
Table: India’s Test Batting Experience Without Kohli and Sharma
| Player | Tests Played | Runs Scored | Average | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 50 | 2,866 | 34.53 | 8 |
| Shubman Gill | 25 | 1,492 | 35.52 | 4 |
| Rishabh Pant | 34 | 2,279 | 43.83 | 5 |
| Virat Kohli* | 123 | 9,230 | 46.85 | 29 |
| Rohit Sharma* | 59 | 4,137 | 45.46 | 12 |
*Note: Kohli and Sharma’s stats are included for context but would be absent if both retire.
Historical Parallels: Echoes of 2012
The current situation draws unsettling parallels to 2012, when a disappointing tour of Australia led to the retirements of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman without formal farewell Tests. That period marked the end of a golden era for Indian cricket, and Kohli’s potential exit could signal a similar shift. However, unlike 2012, the BCCI is proactively working to prevent such an outcome, reflecting the high stakes involved.
Broader Context: Kohli and Sharma’s Evolving Roles
Both Kohli and Sharma retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to victory in the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024. If Kohli follows through with his Test retirement, the two cricketing giants will only be available for ODI cricket, significantly altering their roles in Indian cricket. This shift comes at a time when the BCCI is also preparing the India ‘A’ squad for a tour of England, which includes three four-day matches against England Lions starting May 30, 2025, in Canterbury. These matches will provide an opportunity to test potential replacements for Kohli and Sharma.
Looking Ahead: A Defining Moment
As the cricketing world awaits Kohli’s final decision, the BCCI’s efforts underscore the immense value he brings to Indian Test cricket. Whether he chooses to continue or not, Kohli’s legacy as one of the greatest Test batsmen of all time is secure. His decision will shape the future of Indian cricket, particularly as the team embarks on a new World Test Championship cycle.
For now, all eyes are on the upcoming meeting between Kohli and the influential figure. The outcome could determine whether India enters the England series with its talismanic batsman or faces the daunting task of rebuilding without him.
Key Citations
- Cricbuzz: BCCI Calls On Influential Figure to Stop Kohli’s Test Retirement
- IANS: BCCI Urges Virat Kohli to Reconsider Test Retirement Plans
- The Telegraph India: Kohli and Sharma Discuss Future with Former Captain
