Will Virat Kohli return to Test cricket? IPL chairman urges star cricketer to reconsider retirement

BENGALURU: Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli had announced his retirement from Test cricket a few days ago. The announcement came just days after Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma also retired. Despite the BCCI requesting Kohli to be part of India’s upcoming tour of England, he went ahead with the retirement decision, reportedly without heeding the request.

Meanwhile, there is now a renewed call for Kohli to return to Test cricket. Arun Dhumal, former BCCI treasurer and current IPL chairman, has voiced this demand. His statement came after Kohli's IPL team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) reached the final of this year's IPL.

Responding to a question on whether Kohli would retire from all formats if RCB wins the title, Dhumal said, "I don't think so, and I certainly hope not." He praised Kohli as the greatest ambassador of the game. "Looking at the dedication he has shown over 18 IPL seasons, I would compare him to Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer in cricket. I want him to continue playing in the IPL. I also hope he reconsiders his decision to retire from Test cricket," Dhumal said.

“In terms of fitness, Kohli is as fit now in his 18th season as he was in his first. Whether RCB wins or not, I and the entire nation want Kohli to continue playing,” he added.

This is RCB’s fourth IPL final. It is also their first appearance in the final since 2016. The team reached the final by defeating Punjab Kings by eight wickets in the first qualifier.