India legend Virat Kohli wishes to retire from Test cricket ahead of England series

Jaquob Crooke Updated: 10 May 25 11:16

Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he plans to retire from Test cricket ahead of India's series against England at the end of June.

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News of Kohli's intention to retire from the longest format of the game is yet another huge blow to India's plans after Rohit Sharma also decided to call time on his Test career.

However, according to reports in India, it's understood that BCCI officials are urging Kohli to reconsider.

A source told the Indian Express: “He has made up his mind and has informed the board that he is moving on from Test cricket. The BCCI has urged him to rethink as the crucial England tour is coming up. He is yet to revert on the request.”

Should Kohli commit to his retirement, not only will it provide a mammoth headache for India's selectors, but it will signal the end of a distinguished Test career that has spanned 14 years, 123 Tests and a return of 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85.

The 36-year-old also captained India for 68 Tests where he earned the moniker 'Captain Fearless', which aptly accompanied his other nickname 'King Kohli', and skippered his nation to a marvellous 40 victories, making him India's most successful Test captain of all time.

Between 2016 and 2018 was a golden period in Kohli's Test career as he averaged 75.93 in 2016, 75.64 in 2017 and 55.08 in 2018, notching up 3,596 runs in 35 Tests which included 14 centuries.

Kohli's average has tailed off in recent years and the talismanic figure endured a subdued tour of Australia during India's last Test series as he averaged 23.75, further evidence of his declining performance on the Test stage.

Following India's T20 World Cup triumph in the West Indies last year, Kohli decided to call time on his international T20 career but the Royal Challengers Bengaluru star remains a prolific run-scorer in the 20-over format after reaching 500 runs in the IPL for a third successive season.

India are set to face Ben Stokes' England team at Headingley on June 20 at the start of a five-match Test series which will conclude at the Oval from July 31.

Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to succeed Rohit as India's Test captain, with the team currently on course to experience a crucial transitional period amid Kohli's plans to retire.