Virat Kohli to announce test retirement ahead of India-England tour, follow Rohit Sharma’s footsteps?

Indian star batter Virat Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his decision to retire from Test cricket, according to an India Today report. The 36-year-old’s possible exit follows former captain Rohit Sharma’s abrupt retirement announcement on May 7, marking a dramatic shift in India’s red-ball leadership.

Kohli’s decision comes after a prolonged slump in form, notably during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored 190 runs across five Tests. Despite a defiant 100 not-out in the Perth opener, his returns dwindled sharply, averaging just 23.75 in the series. 

Similar struggles against New Zealand at home further fueled speculation about his Test future.

BCCI Urges Kohli to Reconsider as England Tour Looms

The BCCI has reportedly urged Kohli to delay his retirement, emphasising his role in the upcoming five-Test England series slated to start in July 2025

Kohli, who has played 123 Tests since his 2011 debut, remains pivotal to India’s middle order. Further, his career tally of 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries, and his record as India’s most successful Test captain (40 wins in 68 matches) underscore his legacy.

However, the batter’s recent form has raised concerns, with his last dominant Test series dating back to 2021.

Rohit Sharma’s Sudden Exit Adds to Leadership Void

Kohli’s decision follows Rohit Sharma’s shock retirement from Tests, announced hours after reports emerged of his sacking as captain. Rohit, who led India to the 2023 World Test Championship final, stepped down amid a string of poor results

Under his leadership, India lost five of their last six Tests, including home defeats to New Zealand and an away loss to Australia. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee reportedly sought to groom a ‘young leader’ for the future, prompting Rohit’s removal.

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Road Ahead: England Series to Define India’s New Era

The England tour now looms as a defining challenge for India’s revamped squad. The BCCI’s push for continuity with Kohli reflects concerns over inexperienced middle-order options. 

However, the board is simultaneously prioritising youth, as seen in Rohit’s ouster. Rising stars like Shubman Gill are expected to shoulder greater responsibility.

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Meanwhile, Kohli has not yet announced his test cricket retirement to the media or the broader public.