Reports: Virat Kohli set to retire from Tests

In an interesting turn of events, Indian star batter Virat Kohli has decided to hang up his boots from the longest format of the game. The 36-year-old talismanic batter has also informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his decision to step down from the format.

Speaking about Kohli's numbers in this format, he made his debut in 2011. Since then, he turned out to be the match-winner for Team India in both home and away games. He racked up 9230 runs from 210 innings at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 fifties in this particular format. He has the highest individual score of 254*

This piece of news could put Team India in a spot of danger as India is scheduled to tour England for a five-match Test series in the new World Test Championship Cycle in June and July 2025.

However, BCCI officials want him to continue playing the format as he can lift up the mood of the dressing room with his presence. With more hunger left in him, Kohli was given a few more days to reconsider his decision.

"He is still incredibly fit and hungry. His presence in the dressing room lifts the entire team. We've requested him to take some time before making a final call," said a senior BCCI official on condition of anonymity.

With these reports surrounding social media, fans and former cricketers took to different platforms offering messages of support, hoping the 36-year-old stalwart batter continues to play the format.

For the unversed, Indian opener Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Tests on May 7. With Kohli also considering retirement from this format, Team India's onus will be put on a young team with the new WTC cycle coming in a few days’ time.

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