May 10, 2025: In a major development that could signal the end of an era, Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his desire to retire from Test cricket. As per a report, the decision comes after extended contemplation, with Kohli seemingly ready to close the red-ball chapter of his storied career.
However, the BCCI is not ready to let go just yet. The board has urged the 35-year-old batting stalwart to reconsider, especially with India’s crucial tour of England looming in June. Despite the appeal, there are currently no indications that Kohli is prepared to reverse his decision.
Kohli’s decision appears to stem from a personal evaluation of his recent form and mental state. His struggles in the recent 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy seem to have played a key role. While he notched a single unbeaten century in the first Test, he managed just 190 runs across five matches — a stark contrast to the prolific form that once made him a dominant force in world cricket.
Over the last five years, Kohli’s Test performance has seen a marked dip. He has managed just 1,990 runs in 37 Tests with only three centuries in that span, a significant downturn compared to his earlier consistency.
At an RCB event in March, Kohli spoke candidly about the mental toll that slumps in form can take. “Once you start taking on the energy and the disappointment from the outside, then you start burdening yourself way more,” he said, revealing how external pressure can push a player toward desperation.
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Despite recent struggles, Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket remains intact. With 123 Tests under his belt and 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, the former India captain stands among the game’s modern greats. He is also the fifth-highest run-scorer in the history of the Border-Gavaskar series — a testament to his enduring impact.
As fans, pundits, and teammates await an official statement from Kohli or the BCCI, the potential exit of one of India’s most iconic red-ball cricketers marks a turning point in Indian cricket history.