Virat Kohli reportedly set to RETIRE from Test cricket ahead of England tour amid IPL high

In a surprising turn of events, reports have surfaced suggesting that Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has informed the BCCI about his intention to retire from Test cricket ahead of the much-anticipated England tour, set to begin on June 20. According to sources close to the development, Kohli communicated his decision to the Board a few days ago and is unlikely to feature in the five-match Test series. While an official announcement is yet to be made, a senior BCCI official has reportedly spoken to Kohli, urging him to reconsider his decision.

This news comes hot on the heels of another major update from the Indian cricket camp, skipper Rohit Sharma recently announced his immediate retirement from the Test format. With both seasoned cricketers potentially stepping away from the red-ball game, the Indian Test team is set to undergo a significant transition. The upcoming England series also marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle, adding further weight to the situation.

Virat Kohli’s Test form in recent years has been a topic of discussion among fans and experts alike. Though he has had a few flashes of brilliance, consistent big scores have eluded him in the longest format lately. However, he has been nothing short of phenomenal in the IPL this season. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli scored an impressive 505 runs in just 11 matches before the tournament was suspended, silencing critics and reaffirming his batting prowess in the shorter format.

Beyond the cricket pitch, Kohli has also been making headlines for personal reasons. A recent video of Virat and his wife Anushka Sharma went viral on social media, showing the couple stepping out together in Bengaluru. The clip sparked chatter after Anushka appeared to ignore Virat’s hand as she exited the car, choosing to support herself with the car door instead. This was their first public appearance amid speculations surrounding Virat’s Instagram activity in recent days.

As fans await an official word from the BCCI or Kohli himself, emotions are running high. Whether this marks the end of an era or a temporary decision, one thing is certain, the cricket world is watching closely.