Virat Kohli Reversing His Test Retirement? BCCI Hopeful.
As India faces England, BCCI pushes for Virat Kohli's Test return while backing Shubman Gill as the new captain. The Test era enters a new phase.
As India gears up for the first Test against England at Headingley on June 20, the reality of Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket continues to sting. For fans and followers alike, the sight of India’s No. 18 walking in at No. 4 will be sorely missed. Whether it’s comeback contender Karun Nair or newly-appointed skipper Shubman Gill, the absence of Kohli in the middle order is a tough pill to swallow.
BCCI Holds Out Hope: Kohli Urged to Rethink Decision
In a surprising yet hopeful development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) isn’t giving up on bringing Kohli back to red-ball cricket. Arun Dhumal, Chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and former BCCI treasurer, has reportedly urged Kohli to reconsider his decision to step away from Tests.
Though Dhumal no longer holds an official BCCI position, his current role as IPL Chairman still links him to the board. And when such a request comes from within the system, it carries significant weight.
Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test Cricket after playing for 14 years.
Concerns Over Future: Will Virat Kohli Step Away from IPL Too?
Kohli’s retirement from both T20 Internationals and Tests leaves fans wondering if One Day Internationals and the IPL are all that remain of the cricketing legend’s on-field appearances. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the verge of a historic IPL title, speculation is rife: could this be the final curtain for Kohli in franchise cricket too?
Arun Dhumal, however, dismissed such fears. "Neither do I think that, nor do I hope that," Dhumal said when asked if a possible IPL 2025 win might prompt Kohli to call it quits.
Dhumal: “Virat is to cricket what Federer is to tennis.”
Praising Kohli’s dedication and impact, Dhumal called him the “greatest ambassador for cricket.” Drawing parallels with tennis icons Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, he added, “Given the kind of commitment Virat has shown, I would want him to reconsider his decision to retire from Test cricket.”
Dhumal also lauded Kohli’s unmatched fitness levels, stating, “He is probably fitter now than he was in the first season of the IPL. After 18 seasons, he still plays with the same energy and intensity.”
New Era Begins: Shubman Gill Earns BCCI’s Backing as Test Captain
While the board hopes for Kohli’s return, it is simultaneously placing its faith in a new leader. Shubman Gill, at just 25, has been appointed as India’s Test captain — a move that has garnered widespread attention and support.
Dhumal expressed confidence in Gill’s leadership, citing his success with Gujarat Titans in the IPL and his stint leading India in a series against Zimbabwe. “The kind of leadership Shubman has shown over the last two editions has been phenomenal. He’s not just a brilliant opener, but a promising leader for the future,” Dhumal said.
The Road Ahead For Indian Cricket
With Kohli’s legacy cemented and a new chapter beginning under Shubman Gill, Indian cricket finds itself at a pivotal juncture. Whether Kohli chooses to don the whites again remains uncertain, but the nation — and the board — continue to hope for one more encore.
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