Virat Kohli's Shocking Move Before England Tour
Virat Kohli, arguably India's most recognizable cricketer of the last decade, has told the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) he plans to retire from Test cricket before the vital test series against England. He's not taking this step lightly—he says it comes down to mental burnout and the need to focus on shorter formats. Kohli made this clear to the BCCI two weeks before the squad was set for the England tour, leaving decision-makers scrambling for answers.
Kohli's potential exit comes hot on the heels of Rohit Sharma's Test retirement. That means India's batting core—a group that used to strike fear into opposing bowlers—is suddenly looking green. Some BCCI folks are seriously worried. They're stressing how much India counts on Kohli to anchor the middle order and guide new players through high-pressure situations. They've tried everything from direct talks to reaching out through legendary players. But Kohli, at 36, is sticking to his guns.
BCCI Steps Up the Pressure—But Kohli Stands Firm
Insiders say cricket officials have deployed every bit of influence to change Kohli's mind. Big names like Navjot Sidhu have publicly blasted the timing of his decision, calling it too soon. Meanwhile, former all-rounder Ajit Agarkar hinted that the cricket board could still pull out last-minute tricks to keep Kohli in national colors. They've even called on respected ex-players to have a word. The stakes are massive. With the England series counting towards the World Test Championship, India can't afford to lose its most experienced red-ball batsman.
Kohli, though, isn't wavering. He's discussed retirement privately for months. Those close to him say the challenges of constant tours and the spotlight have worn him down—especially now, as the grind of international schedules gets harsher with each year. He's told the board in clear terms that limited-overs cricket will now be his main focus.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the selectors. With little time left before the team announcement, debates have gotten heated in the corridors of Indian cricket power. Sidhu's criticism isn't just about losing a great batter—it’s about potentially rushing a new and untested middle order into cricket’s toughest situations. Meanwhile, Agarkar's comments suggest the BCCI isn’t quite done trying.
For fans, it's hard to imagine an India-England Test battle without the classic Kohli stare-down with English bowlers. But it looks like Virat Kohli is ready to close the red-ball chapter of his storied career, leaving India with a gaping hole to fill just as it heads into one of its most crucial Test tours in years.