Reports: Virat Kohli adamant on Test retirement decision

The retirement of senior players has left the BCCI and the Indian team in a fix ahead of the Test series against England, which will start in June. Days after Indian skipper Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the longest format of the game, another veteran, Virat Kohli, reportedly communicated with the BCCI about his plan of leaving the format as well.

Though there has been no official confirmation on the retirement of the 37-year-old, the recent reports suggest that the former India skipper had informed the selectors of the decision two weeks ago. Ever since, the committee has tried to persuade him to reconsider his decision However, it turns out that Kohli has made up his mind. A final call is expected close to the selection meeting, which will take place in the following week.

“Kohli had informed the selectors two weeks ago about his desire to quit Tests. They were trying to persuade him to play in the Test series against England. However, he is still firm on his stance. The final call will come close to the selection meeting next week," TOI quoted a source as saying.

If Kohli does not reverse his decision, then India will be left with a highly inexperienced squad for the England tour as spinner R Ashwin has also retired while former skipper Rohit has moved on as well. Given Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are not in the scheme of things, the absence of these veterans could be a matter of concern for the team while going into a high-profile series against England.

Meanwhile, Rohit's retirement leaves the selectors to find a replacement for the opening slot as well captaincy. As per reports, Shubman Gill is likely to take the reins of captaincy in the upcoming series against England, with Rishabh Pant to take the vice-captaincy role.