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BCCI responds to claims that the board might ask Virat Kohli to come out of Test retirement.
Virat Kohli. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has outrightly rejected claims that the board might ask Virat Kohli or other senior stars to reconsider their Test retirements.
Cricbuzz reported growing chatter within Indian cricket about sounding out Virat Kohli for a potential return to Test cricket. The outlet also suggested that another recently retired senior player may be willing to revisit his decision if approached.
The speculation follows India’s 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa, a result head coach Gautam Gambhir attributed to a broader phase of transition, with several inexperienced players filling key roles.
“What’s being said about Virat Kohli is just a rumour. There has been no conversation with Kohli about this. Do not give weight to rumours. Nothing of that sort has happened,” Saikia told AajTak.
Over the past year, Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin have all stepped away from the longest format. Earlier, during Rahul Dravid’s tenure, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane had been phased out.
India now fields one of the least seasoned batting units in Test cricket, a problem compounded by pitches that demand high-quality play against spin. Rohit and Kohli walked away from the format in May after reportedly sensing their shrinking roles, though both had endured lean runs in home Tests.
Pujara and Rahane were persisted with deep into their slumps, yet the next generation has struggled to master spin-friendly conditions. Ashwin, regarded as India’s finest spinner since Anil Kumble, bowed out in December 2024 after being omitted from the XI during the Australia tour.
Former England captain Kevin Pieteresen also responded to the gossip, saying even if it’s half-true, such thoughts should be taken seriously.
“I don’t always believe what I read in the media or on social media. But, if it’s half true that both Virat and Rohit are considering playing Test cricket again, then it needs to be taken very very seriously. The survival of Test cricket is a hot topic of conversation and if the biggest stars in the game are wanting to play it again, they must play!”
Kohli and Rohit are currently playing a three-ODI series against South Africa. Kohli shone with a stunning century in the first match in Ranchi on Sunday.
November 30, 2025, 20:11 IST
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