The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in a bind after star batsman Virat Kohli reportedly informed them of his decision to retire from Test cricket before the five-match series against England.
A Surprise Move
The BCCI was taken aback by Kohli’s decision, as they had been planning to name him captain for the upcoming Test series. According to a report by the news agency PTI, citing a BCCI source, “It’s true that the selectors had considered Virat Kohli for the Indian captaincy for the England series.” This move would have marked a return to the role for Kohli, who has previously led the team across all formats.
New Leadership on the Horizon?
With Rohit Sharma having retired from Test cricket, the BCCI is now scrambling to find a new captain. While no official announcement has been made, reports suggest that young batsman Shubman Gill could be in line for the job. Gill has already shown his leadership skills as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023, where his team performed well under his guidance. However, some selectors might be hesitant to hand over the reins to a new captain, especially for a challenging tour like England.
The BCCI is likely weighing its options carefully, considering the implications of Kohli’s retirement and the need for a new captain. One thing is certain: the Indian cricket team is on the cusp of a significant change.