The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a challenging tour of England in June, where they’ll play a 5-match Test series. This series marks the beginning of the next World Test Championship cycle for both teams. Amidst the preparations, a shocking revelation has emerged: Virat Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention to retire from Test cricket before the tour.
Reactions Pour In
The news has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, with former players weighing in on Kohli’s decision. West Indies legend Brian Lara took to Instagram to share a photo with Kohli, captioned “Test cricket needs Virat! He’ll be persuaded. He’s not going to retire from Test cricket.” Lara’s sentiment is shared by many who believe Kohli’s experience is crucial for India’s success in England.
Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu echoed this sentiment on his YouTube channel, stating that while Kohli’s decision to retire might be driven by the right intentions, the timing is off. “India’s reputation is at stake, and we’re heading into one of the toughest Test tours,” Sidhu said. “You need experience, and Virat is that shield that can make a difference.”
Sidhu also highlighted the importance of Kohli’s presence in the team, particularly after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. “You can’t take an inexperienced team to England,” he said. “Shubman Gill might be a future captain, but his record overseas isn’t great. You need someone with the mental strength to inspire the team.”
On the other hand, former cricketer Aakash Chopra took a more nuanced view on his YouTube channel. “A player’s decision to start or stop playing is their own,” he said. “If Virat feels he’s lost the physical or mental edge, that’s his call. We can’t question it.” Chopra emphasized the importance of respecting Kohli’s decision, given his monumental contributions to Indian cricket.
As the cricketing world awaits the BCCI’s response to Kohli’s retirement plans, one thing is clear: his presence or absence will significantly impact India’s fortunes in England.