Will Virat Kohli retire from Cricket? Despite enduring a tough run in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Virat Kohli remains focused on his future. Reports indicate that the former Indian the captain is set to play the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, dismissing any speculation of retirement.
Kohli's tough run in the Tests
The 2024 season has been one of Kohli's most challenging years in international cricket. He managed just one century during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring 190 runs in nine innings at a modest average of 23.75.
His dismissal followed a troubling pattern. All eight times, he was caught fishing outside off stump, with bowlers exploiting his weakness to both spin and pace. Kohli's footwork seemed to slow down after his solitary hundred in Perth, further adding to his woes.
Big questions surround Kohli and Rohit
Kohli's struggles came along with a dismal streak for him Rohit Sharmawho managed just 31 runs in five innings. The pair's poor performances have raised questions over their future in the Indian Test set-up.
“It would be very difficult for selectors to pick Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli based on IPL performance or form,” a former selector told PTI. “There has to be some red-ball cricket for them in the lead England tour.”
The Anthony de Mello Trophy in England is India's next challenge with the red ball, starting five months from now. However, both Kohli and Rohit have not featured in domestic red-ball cricket for years. Kohli last played one Ranji Trophy game in 2012, while Rohit's last appearance was in 2015.
Domestic cricket or workload management?
The 2025 Ranji Trophy season could offer a chance for the duo to prepare for the England series. But there is a catch. The Ranji Trophy schedule coincides with England's white-ball tour of India. There are reports suggesting that Kohli, Rohit and jasprit bumrah can skip that series to manage their workload.
If they skip both the Ranji Trophy and the bilateral series, their only red-ball preparation would be the India 'A' matches or the warm-up matches in England. Even then, those matches would come after a hectic IPL 2025 season.
Kohli is not thinking about retirement
Unlike Rohit Sharma, who recently confirmed his intention to continue playing, Kohli has not addressed the media about his career plans. However, a PTI report claims that he is “in no mood” to retire and remains driven to achieve more in international cricket.
The head coach Gautam Gambhiraddressing the media after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, put the ball in Kohli and Rohi's court. “They are tough, hungry people. They will decide what is best for Indian cricket,” Gambhir said.
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