In a piece of news that is taking social media ablaze and has left cricket fans across the country dazed and emotional, legendary cricketer Virat Kohli has reportedly informed BCCI of his decision to retire from Test cricket. The veteran batter's decision comes right ahead of the team's upcoming tour of England starting on June 20. Sources have confirmed that Kohli is unlikely to reverse his decision, as he aims to follow Rohit Sharma's footsteps.
The 38-year-old, on May 07, took to Instagram to announce his decision of retiring from Test cricket, ending a wonderful career in the red-ball format. Interestingly, both Rohit Sharma and Kohli also stepped down from T20Is after India's epic win in the T20 World Cup on June 30 in Barbados. It is not yet officially confirmed if both Rohit and Kohli decided to step away from Tests ahead of the England tour.
However, BCCI is yet to accept Virat Kohli's retirement decision from Test cricket. A senior BCCI official has reportedly reached out to the former India captain urging him to reconsider his decision. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel are set to meet soon to finalize the team for the five-match Test series against England. This series will also mark the first Test series in the fourth World Test Championship (WTC) Cycle.
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Why is Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket?
Kohli's decision to step away from the red-ball format might have to do with his struggles in the format. In the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, the 37-year-old managed just 186 runs in five Tests. For over two years now, Kohli's Test average has dropped below 50. Still, he continues to be an inspiration for players around the world due to his impeccable record in Test cricket, wherein he has scored 9230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85
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It is remains to be seen if Kohli reverses his decision. If he does not chooses to walk away from a format which is close to his heart, then it will be arduous task for India to win a Test series against England at their home.
