Cricket legend Virat Kohli is said to be mulling retirement from Test cricket, triggering the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to go into damage-control mode. Sources privy to the superstar batter indicate that the move is necessitated by a need to balance workload and concentrate on shorter formats, especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup looming.
The BCCI has reacted quickly, and top board authorities asked Kohli to change his mind. There are talks of persuading him to continue playing red-ball cricket, at least up to the point when India’s current transition process stabilizes. Kohli continues to be among the most reliable players in the Indian team, and his retirement would create a huge vacuum in terms of performance as well as leadership.
Kohli, 36, has been an Indian Test stalwart for more than a decade, renowned for his intense competitiveness and unequalled physical fitness. Though his performance over the last few months has been on and off, cricket pundits point out that his presence in the dressing room can never be replaced. The potential retirement also looms large over upcoming Test series against Australia and England.
Fans have reacted on social media with divided opinions — some showing appreciation for the legend to step away on his own terms, while others are worried it could bring an end to a golden era in Indian cricket prematurely. The BCCI will put out an official statement after a decision has been reached.
