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Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has urged Virat Kohli to reconsider his reported decision to retire from Test cricket, highlighting the star batter’s enduring value to the national team as it faces a period of significant transition.
Ambati Rayudu asks Virat Kohli to reconsider Test retirement
The plea comes amid widespread reports that Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention to step away from the longest format of the game. The timing is especially critical, with India set to embark on a challenging five-match Test series against England next month-a tour that now looms as a major test for a team already reeling from the recent retirement of captain Rohit Sharma.
Rayudu took to X on Saturday, writing, “Virat Kohli please don’t retire. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India… Please reconsider.”
Virat Kohli please don’t retire.. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India.. Please reconsider..
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 10, 2025
His message quickly went viral, resonating with fans and former players, who echoed the sentiment that Kohli’s presence remains vital for Indian cricket.
Also READ: Top 3 players who can replace Virat Kohli at number 4 in Test cricket
Virat Kohli: A cornerstone of India’s red-ball cricket
Kohli, who debuted in Tests in 2011, has been a cornerstone of India’s red-ball resurgence over the past decade. He has accumulated more than 9,200 runs and 30 centuries in 123 Tests, and his aggressive leadership has been credited with transforming India into a formidable force both at home and overseas. However, the last five years have seen a dip in his Test performance, with an average below 30 and only four centuries during that period. His struggles were particularly evident in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he managed just 190 runs in nine innings.
The prospect of losing both Kohli and Rohit Sharma in quick succession has raised concerns about the experience and stability of India’s batting order. With selectors reportedly considering younger options for the next ICC World Test Championship cycle, the guidance of a senior figure like Kohli are seen as crucial for a smooth transition.
Also READ: No Virat Kohli! India’s 18-member Test squad for England tour 2025 – Predicted
