3 Key Reasons Why Virat Kohli is Delaying His Test Retirement
Virat Kohli, once a key part of India’s batting lineup, is in a tough phase of his Test career. His current slump is worse than his 2020-22 struggles. Back then, he often scored fifties but failed to convert them into centuries.
This time, the problem runs deeper. Kohli has a century in the second innings of the Perth Test. But, he has often fallen to balls outside the off-stump. Australia’s bowlers have exploited this weakness.
With Rohit Sharma dropped for the Sydney Test, many expected Kohli to step up. However, another low score on Friday has amplified calls for him to retire from Test cricket. Yet, Kohli hasn’t made that decision. Here are 3 reasons why Virat Kohli is delaying his Test retirement.
1. The Youngsters Aren’t Ready Yet
A main reason Kohli keeps his Test spot is India’s young batters are not ready. The series against Australia has highlighted this issue. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal has been consistent. Nitish Kumar Reddy has performed in patches.
Some in the squad have struggled without the experienced players. This has shown a need for strong leadership and mentorship. Kohli likely wants to guide these young talents in Test cricket.
Kohli has over a decade of experience. He is a valuable mentor. He can groom the next generation and ensure a smooth transition for Indian cricket.
2. Ending His Test Career at His New “Home”
Reports suggest that Virat Kohli has moved to England. He plans to live there after retirement. Kohli loves English conditions, where he has scored some of his most iconic runs. He might be eyeing India’s Test series in England in July 2025 as the perfect stage to end his Test career.
A fitting farewell for one of India’s greatest batters would be to end his career at his “new home” in England. There, he has enjoyed success and fan admiration. However, Kohli must perform in the series, especially in the Sydney Test. He needs to justify his place in the squad for the next few years.
3. Closing In on 10,000 Test Runs
Virat Kohli is close to joining an exclusive club. It includes players who have scored 10,000 runs in both Test and ODI cricket. He has 9224 runs in 123 Tests. He needs 776 more to reach 10,000 runs. This would make him only the third Indian batter, after Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, to cross 10,000 runs in both formats.
For a player of Kohli’s stature, such milestones are deeply significant. This elite benchmark would cement his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest batters. This goal might be a major motivation for him to push through this rough patch and prolong his Test career.
Kohli’s Fight to Prove Himself
Virat Kohli’s recent struggles have raised doubts about his place in India’s Test team. He wants to mentor younger players and say goodbye on English soil. Plus, he wants to reach 10,000 Test runs. So, he isn’t ready to quit yet.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but Kohli has overcome challenges in the past. Whether he regains his form or retires, one thing is certain. Virat Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket will remain unmatched.
