Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has called on Virat Kohli to rethink his decision amid widespread reports of his impending Test retirement. Just days after Rohit Sharma announced his exit from Test cricket, ESPNcricinfo revealed that Kohli has informed the BCCI of his intention to step away from the format. With India gearing up for a five-Test series in England, the board has reportedly asked Kohli to reconsider. While Kohli hasn’t confirmed a final decision, Kaif urged him on social media to finish on a high by touring England, while hinting that persistent struggles outside off-stump might be influencing his thoughts.

If Kohli retires, it would close the chapter on a legendary 14-year Test career, where he amassed 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. As India’s most successful Test captain, he secured 40 wins in 68 matches. Between 2016 and 2019, Kohli dominated world cricket with 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an average of 66.79. However, the 2020s have been less kind, with 2,028 runs in 39 Tests at an average of 30.72. His last notable knock came in Perth, Australia, during the 2023-24 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.