Virat Kohli may reconsider Test retirement; possible reasons why BCCI wants King's return

Team India superstar Virat Kohli surprised several fans and experts by announcing his retirement from the longest format of the game just before the start of the all-important Test series against England which is going to be a litmus test for the visitors.

Despite remaining supreme fit and fine, Kohli's sudden decision has triggered many speculations. Many experts are of the opinion that Kohli could have played Test for three more years.

Now, it has been learnt that BCCI has made a last-ditch request for Kohli to reverse his retirement from Tests. Following the development, there is a faint chance that Kohli  may return for India in whites.

As per reports, former BCCI treasurer and current chairman of Indian Premier League Arun Dhumal has made a request to Kohli to consider reversing his decision to retire from Test cricket.

Will Kohli retire from IPL?

Several fans also fear that with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) one win away from winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the first time ever, what if Kohli bids farewell to the IPL too.

However, Dhumal refuted any such possibility.

"See neither do I think that, nor do I hope that," said Dhumal in a recent interaction.

Dhumal's request to Kohli

It has also been learnt that Dhumal has urged Kohli to make a retirement U-turn if RCB win the IPL coming Tuesday. 

"Virat is the greatest ambassador for cricket. And the kind of commitment he has shown, I would say Virat is to cricket what Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer is to tennis. So I would want him to continue playing IPL and I would rather want him to reconsider his decision to retire from Test cricket," said Dhumal.

Must Read: IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 against PBKS: Hardik Pandya's captaincy under scanner

"Given the fitness that Virat has, he is probably fitter now than he was in the first season, after playing 18 editions of the IPL. And he still comes back with the same kind of energy and commitment to the game. Given his dedication in the first season and the next 17, he is going to come back with the same passion and commitment. Even if RCB wins, I would, and the whole country would want Virat to continue," he added.

Kohli enhances broadcast value

According to many experts, Kohli is not only a cricketer but also a brand and Test cricket which is following a slow death needs crowd pullers like Kohli. Aggressive cricketers like Kohli with brand values significantly enhances the broadcast value of any event by attracting a massive audience and generating substantial viewership numbers. His presence leads to increased ratings, higher advertising revenue, and a greater overall reach for the event.

Even opposition English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) wants players like Kohli to play in the Test series so that the broadcast value of the series will be enhanced attracting massive crowd and audience and as a result substantial augment in the board's revenue amount.