If India lose by a big margin against England, Virat Kohi will come out of Test retirement: Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke feels that Virat Kohli could come out of Test retirement if India suffer a heavy defeat against England in the upcoming five-match series.
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Former Australia captain Michael Clarke feels that the legendary Virat Kohli could come out of Test retirement if India suffer a heavy defeat against England in the upcoming five-match series, which gets underway on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.
Kohli decided to draw curtains on his illustrious Test career on May 12 after representing India in the longest format since 2011. The 36-year-old played 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. He registered 31 half-centuries and 30 centuries.
After winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final for the first time in 18 years, Kohli said that the triumph is still five levels below Test cricket. Clarke said that the Delhi batter loves the red-ball format and will take a U-turn on his retirement call if the captain and selectors want him back in the setup.
“If India go to England and get flogged—say they lose the series 5-0—I think the fans will want Virat Kohli to come out of retirement. And honestly, if he’s asked by the captain, selectors, and is supported by fans, I think he’ll come back. He still loves Test cricket," Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast.
Clarke also hailed Rohit Sharma, who retired from Tests on May 12, as a brilliant captain. The cricketer-turned-commentator mentioned that Test cricket will miss Kohli.
“Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket. Tactically, he was a brilliant captain. Virat Kohli walks away—devastating. Test cricket will miss him,” the former Australian captain further stated.
How Virat Kohli's name came in Bengaluru stampede incident?
The fans and players should be able to celebrate together, but it has to be done safely: Michael Clarke
Clarke also shared his condolences with the families of the people who lost their lives during the horrific stampede that broke out during RCB's IPL 2025 victory celebrations outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, June 4. The 44-year-old said that fans and players should get the opportunity to celebrate together, but it has to be done safely.
“It’s devastating. Hopefully, we never see something like this again. The fans and players should be able to celebrate together, but it has to be done safely. My thoughts are with all the families. It was a tragic end to what had been an incredible season," Clarke said.
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