Former Australia captain Michael Clarke speculates that Virat Kohli might reconsider his Test retirement, especially if India faces a resounding defeat in the upcoming five-Test series against England.
Speaking on his podcast this Friday, Clarke suggested that Kohli’s deep affection for Test cricket could prompt such a reversal, particularly if approached by new captain Shubman Gill and the BCCI selectors.
Kohli, who stepped away from the Test format last month after retiring from T20Is in 2024, leaves Gill to lead a transitional Indian squad in England. This team will be without not only Kohli but also other experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Mohammed Shami, and Ajinkya Rahane. Although the English hosts are grappling with a few injury concerns, historical records favor them; India last secured a Test series victory there in 2007.
“I believe this. If India go to England and get flogged, if they lose the series 5-0 for example, I think the fans will want Virat Kohli to come out of retirement and play Test cricket again,” Michael Clarke remarked on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, as quoted by news agency PTI. He continued, “And I honestly, I think if he was asked by the captain, selectors and supported by fans, if they get beaten big time in England, I think he’ll come. He still loves Test cricket. I think his words, I think those words, like you could hear his passion for Test cricket is real.”
Do you agree with Michael Clarke?
