Virat Kohli Informs BCCI of Decision to Retire from Test Cricket: Reports

Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he intends to retire from Test cricket.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket is not sudden. He has reportedly been having these conversations with the BCCI officials over the past month or so.

In 123 Tests, Kohli has scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. However, there has been a noticeable decline in his recent Test form. Over the last five years, Kohli has managed to score only three centuries in the 39 Test matches he has played.

Reports suggest that Kohli has been thinking of the retirement since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in December 2024. The BCCI has been urging him not to step away from the longest format of the game, but the former captain appears firm in his decision.

This development follows India captain Rohit Sharma’s announcement of his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday, ahead of the England Test series.

“Hello everyone, I would like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” Rohit Sharma posted on his Instagram story.

Earlier, both Kohli and Rohit had announced their retirement from T20 Internationals following the 2024 T20 World Cup. If Kohli proceeds with his Test retirement, both batters will be available only for ODIs going forward.