“Virat Kohli don’t retire, Indian team needs you” – Rayudu urges before India vs England Tests

The cricket community is in shock. The news of Virat Kohli allegedly writing to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding his Test retirement has taken everyone by storm. Rohit Sharma, who was the India cricket team’s captain in red-ball cricket, announced his retirement a mere three days ago. And now, Kohli might follow him out as well.

Many feel this isn’t the right time. Team India has already lost their second most experienced batter in Rohit. If Kohli goes as well, chances of winning the upcoming 5-match Test series won’t be great, to say the least. Fans are still coming to grips with this, but even former teammates of Kohli are shocked.

Please reconsider, Rayudu on Kohli retiring from Test cricket

Ambati Rayudu has urged Kohli to reconsider his alleged decision to retire from Test cricket. He feels that Team India needs him in England and that he’s still got loads to give in the longest format of the game.

“Virat Kohli, please don’t retire. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India. Please reconsider,” Rayudu wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

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Although Kohli doesn’t have the greatest record in England, among current Indian batters only Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill have experience of playing in the nation. The trio combined have 21 matches under their belt in England, while Kohli alone has played 17 Tests.

But it won’t be just the batting that Team India might miss. Kohli brings the energy onto the field. He pumps his teammates up. He’s always into the fight. Then comes his leadership. He is perhaps the greatest Test captain India has ever had. He can guide batters and bowlers. Can help with field setting and tactics. And Team India will miss out on all of this in England if Kohli has indeed decided to retire from Test cricket.

The post “Virat Kohli don’t retire, Indian team needs you” – Rayudu urges before India vs England Tests appeared first on Inside Sport India.