BCCI hope to reverse Kohli's Test retirement plans

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BCCI hope to reverse Kohli's Test retirement plans

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Virat Kohli has reportedly expressed his disinterest in continuing in the longest format of the game. © Getty

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to hold talks with Virat Kohli to discuss his reported decision to step away from Test cricket. A highly influential figure in Indian cricket is expected to meet the star batter to persuade him to continue in the longest format of the game.

The meeting is expected to be held before the Test squad selection, which is tentatively scheduled for May 23. While the exact venue for the selection committee meeting remains unconfirmed, the BCCI has also planned a media conference to introduce the new Test captain. The India A squad that will also tour England is expected to be selected in the next couple of days.

The BCCI has previously managed to convince players, like they did with Rohit Sharma to give up captaincy in Tests. It is understood that there may have been some discussion with the influential figure before Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket the other day.

Whether the BCCI will succeed in convincing Kohli remains a subject of conjecture, but there is a degree of optimism that the individual chosen to speak with him could wield some influence. The Board is also keen to understand the reasons behind Kohli's desire to step away from Test cricket - a format in which he averaged over 50 until recently.

A sudden dip in form has seen his average fall to around 46. He is also closing in on the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket - an elite milestone that is well within his reach. Presently, Kohli is just 770 runs away from the landmark. BCCI hopes the veteran will extend his career, even if only a little longer. He has featured in 123 Tests, and has led India in 68 of them.

Initially, it was thought that Kohli (36) was merely reluctant to play the England series. However, it now appears that he may be contemplating stepping away from the format he had passionately championed not too long ago. He was widely lauded by pundits and experts for his unwavering commitment to Test cricket, with many crediting him for keeping the longest format alive and relevant.

For a team expected to have a young captain, probably Shubman Gill, the presence of Kohli's experience would be needed in a testing series against England. Kohli's record in England, though, is not stellar - 17 Tests, 1096 runs at an average of 33.21 with two centuries and five fifties.

© Cricbuzz

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