Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has raised concerns over the timing of Virat Kohli’s intention to retire from Test cricket, especially with the upcoming five-match Test series against England likely to begin on 20 June.
Sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have confirmed that the 36-year-old Kohli recently expressed his desire to step down from the longest format of the game.
However, the BCCI is not ready to let him go and is reportedly making efforts to convince the star batter to continue, particularly with the start of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle tied to the England tour.
Taking to X, Sidhu posted, “Virat Kohli’s decision that he wants to retire has created a stir across the cricketing world. His intention is right, his motive is noble — that ‘the old order must change, yielding place to the new.”
“But the timing and occasion are not appropriate, because the pride and prestige of India are on the line. We are heading into a tour that is the toughest litmus test even for other Test-playing nations,” he further added.
The veteran cricketer further highlighted the potential impact of Kohli’s absence on India’s prospects, particularly with Rohit Sharma also stepping away from Test cricket.
“Why do I say Kohli can be our knight in shining armour in England? Because he has experience, especially after Rohit Sharma’s departure. You can’t send an inexperienced side to England,” Sidhu explained.
Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has played 123 Tests for India, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85.
He has also captained India in 68 Tests, making him the country’s most successful Test captain.
His leadership, fitness, and intensity have played a key role in transforming India into a formidable Test side, both at home and abroad.
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