Team India opener Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket during the IPL 2025 season. Virat Kohli’s red-ball future has also been a topic of intense debate, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided to give him one final opportunity to prove himself.
Virat’s recent form in Test cricket has been underwhelming. The right-handed batter has scored 190 runs across nine innings at an average of 23.75, including one century during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024–25. He also had disappointing outings against Bangladesh and New Zealand at home.
Virat Kohli to Retire from Tests After England Series?
The BCCI has reportedly decided to give Kohli one final opportunity to prove himself in Test cricket.
News24 Deputy Sports Editor Vaibhav Bhola stated discussions were held regarding Kohli’s future in the longest format, and the veteran batter will be part of the upcoming Test series against England.
“❗️ Big Breaking News ❗️ Yes There Were Talks On Virat Kohli’s Test Career As Well. But BCCI Has Given Him One Last Chance In Test Series Against England. Top Decision Maker Has Made Up His Mind. Virat Kohli Will Play In 5 Match England Test Series. Thank You 🙏🏻,” Bhola wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
❗️ Big Breaking News ❗️
Yes There Were Talks On Virat Kohli’s Test Career As Well.
But BCCI Has Given Him One Last Chance In Test Series Against England.
Top Decision Maker Has Made Up His Mind.
Virat Kohli Will Play In 5 Match England Test Series.
Thank You 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/4t9ulFxq7v
— Vaibhav Bhola 🇮🇳 (@VibhuBhola) May 8, 2025
Virat Kohli’s Distinguished Career in Test Cricket
The 36-year-old batter has had a distinguished career in Test cricket. He has played 123 matches for India and amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
At home, Kohli has scored 4,336 runs from 55 matches at an impressive average of 55.58, with 14 centuries and 13 fifties. When playing abroad, he has amassed 4,774 runs from 66 matches at an average of 41.51, including 16 centuries and 18 fifties.
As a captain, Kohli led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 wins, 17 losses, and 11 draws, with a win percentage of 58.82. He scored 5,864 runs as captain at an average of 54.80, with 20 centuries and 18 fifties.
The upcoming five-match Test series against England is crucial for Kohli, especially as he has not been in top form for India since 2021. A poor showing in this series could raise questions about his future in Test cricket and potentially lead to his retirement.
Virat Kohli Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025
Virat is currently playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Kohli has been stunning with the bat. He has scored 505 runs from 11 matches at an impressive average of 63.12 and a strike rate of 143.46, including seven half-centuries, with a best score of 73 against Punjab Kings.
Kohli will next be seen in action during the match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday, May 9. In five innings against LSG, the 36-year-old has managed just 139 runs at an average of 27.80, including one fifty. Kohli will be eager to help his team secure a playoff spot.
Also read: Rohit Sharma wanted to play 2 Tests vs England; BCCI blocked him- Report