Virat Kohli decides to move away from Test cricket , BCCI on knees to convince batter to stay
India National Cricket Team batter Virat Kohli has decided to step away from Test cricket ahead of the series against England National Cricket Team. As per the reports in Indian Express, it is learned that the batter has conveyed BCCI about his decision as well.
The reports claimed that top officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have told him to reconsider the decision, especially with an important series ahead. But, Virat Kohli hasn't replied anything about the same.
He has made up his mind and has informed the board that he is moving on from Test cricket - BCCI source on Virat Kohli
A source close to the developments confirmed that Virat Kohli has made up his mind to move away from Test cricket. But the BCCI is urging the batter to stay for a while. Speaking to Indian Express, he said:
“He has made up his mind and has informed the board that he is moving on from Test cricket. The BCCI has urged him to rethink as the crucial England tour is coming up. He is yet to revert on the request."
Virat Kohli's decision comes just days ahead of the squad announcement of the Indian team for the five-match Test series against England National Cricket Team. The reports claimed that selectors are set to meet in a few days to pick the team for the five-Test series.
The reports also added that Virat Kohli has been thinking about his Test retirement from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The India National Cricket Team batter had a poor outing in Australia, and recently, during an interview, he openly said, "He might not have another Australia tour in him".
This comes as a massive development as recently Rohit Sharma also retired from Test cricket. And if Virat Kohli doesn't change his mind, then it will leave the Indian team in a spot of bother without the guiding hands of two veterans. It will also mean that the team will now have an inexperienced batting lineup.
In the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the India Team will be left with KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top and Rishabh Pant later down the order. The absence of the duo will no doubt leave a massive void in the team, especially with a new cycle of the World Test Championship all set to start.
Virat Kohli has been India's best batter in the Tests as in 123 games he has slammed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. However, in the last few years, his average has taken a massive dip as he has amassed 1,990 runs in 37 games with just three hundreds.