“Reached out early…”: Ajit Agarkar spill beans on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement fiasco

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The cricketing world was left stunned earlier this month when Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated batters, announced his sudden retirement from Test cricket. The news arrived just days after Rohit Sharma, the Indian Test captain, also called time on his career in the longest format. As speculation swirled, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finally addressed the situation, providing clarity on the sequence of events and the board’s response to Kohli’s decision.

According to BCCI selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, Kohli had made up his mind well before the public announcement. During a press conference ahead of India’s Test squad announcement for the England tour, Agarkar said: “Virat reached out [in] early April & said he had made up his mind (to retire from Test cricket)”. This disclosure confirmed that Kohli’s decision was not impulsive but the result of careful consideration.

As per multiple reports, Kohli initially wanted to announce his retirement on May 7, the same day as Rohit, but was advised by the BCCI to delay the announcement. The board’s request was reportedly influenced by ongoing national security concerns, specifically Operation Sindoor and the military conflict with Pakistan at the time. Once the situation stabilized, Kohli informed the BCCI and selectors that he would soon make his decision public, which he did via an emotional social media post.

Despite the board’s efforts to persuade him otherwise, including involving a “highly influential cricketing figure” to convince Kohli to reconsider, the star batter remained resolute. Kohli’s desire to spend more time with his family, especially after a demanding international schedule, was cited as a key factor behind his decision. The BCCI, while disappointed, respected his wishes and began planning for a new era in Indian Test cricket.

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Kohli’s exit, coupled with Rohit’s retirement, forced the selectors to make swift decisions about the team’s leadership. Shubman Gill was appointed as India’s new Test captain, with Rishabh Pant named vice-captain. The selection committee, led by Agarkar, expressed confidence in Gill’s ability to lead the team through a challenging transition, describing him as a “terrific player” ready for the high-pressure role.

The squad for the upcoming England series reflects a blend of youth and experience. Young left-hander B Sai Sudharsan received his maiden Test call-up, while Karun Nair returned after a long absence. Notably, pacer Mohammed Shami was omitted due to fitness concerns, and other changes signaled a new direction for the team.

Also READ: BCCI announces India’s Test squad for England tour, names new captain and vice-captain