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Key Points

Brian Lara has dismissed speculation about Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, insisting the format still needs him. Kohli's potential exit would follow Rohit Sharma's recent Test retirement, leaving India with fewer experienced players. The Indian batting legend struggled in his last Test series but scored a crucial century in Perth. Lara predicts Kohli will maintain a 60+ average if he continues playing Tests.

Key Points: Brian Lara Says Test Cricket Needs Virat Kohli Amid Retirement Talk

  • Lara dismisses Kohli's Test retirement rumors
  • Kohli averages 46.85 in 123 Tests
  • India faces England in WTC 2025-27
  • Senior players like Rohit, Ashwin already retired
2 min read

Test cricket needs Virat...: Brian Lara on Indian batting star

Brian Lara insists Virat Kohli won't retire from Tests, predicting a 60+ average for the Indian star amid speculation.

"Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket. – Brian Lara"

New Delhi, May 10

Legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara has said that cricket needs Virat Kohli amid speculation about the Indian star's Test future.

Taking to Instagram, Lara said Kohli would be persuaded not to quit Test cricket anytime soon.

"Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket. @virat.kohli is going to average above 60 for the remainder of his Test career," Lara said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJefpyrNHw8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Recent reports suggested that the modern-day legend had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention to retire.

The reports flooded on Saturday, just two days after his long-time teammate Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Tests, just over a month before India kickstarts its ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign with five high-stakes Tests against England, at Headingley from June 20 onwards.

According to the reports, Virat has been having such conversations with the board over the past month or so. If Virat indeed retires, it would mark the end of an illustrious 14-year career in the format, during which he has struck a staggering 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries. He is also India's most successful Test captain ever, having won 40 out of 68 Tests with the captaincy tag around his name.

Apart from Rohit, decorated off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket last year in the middle of the Australia tour. With middle-order veterans Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara no longer in the set-up for a while and a decline in senior pacer Mohammed Shami's form after a long layoff from injury, Virat is the only senior around, alongside all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

Virat laboured for runs during his last Test outing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour to Australia in November-January, where he made just 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75, with his century at Perth being a highlight. That century was his first since July 2023, when he hit a ton against the West Indies at Port of Spain in 2023.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Virat is the heartbeat of Indian cricket! 🏏 His passion for Test cricket is unmatched. While I respect his right to decide, I agree with Lara - the game needs him. That Perth century showed he still has the magic!
P
Priya M.
As much as I love Kohli, we must accept that every player has their time. If he's considering retirement, maybe he knows his body better than we do. The transition phase is always tough but necessary.
A
Arjun S.
Brian Lara speaking facts! Test cricket without Kohli would be like chai without sugar. His presence alone lifts the team. Hope BCCI convinces him to stay till at least the WTC final next year.
N
Neha T.
Recent form is concerning but one bad series doesn't define a legend. Remember how Sachin had lean patches too? Virat should take a short break if needed, but quitting now would be premature.
S
Sanjay R.
While I admire Kohli, we must think of team balance. If he's not performing consistently, maybe it's time to blood youngsters. Too many retirements at once is worrying though - BCCI needs better succession planning.
M
Meena P.
The way Virat changed Indian cricket's fitness culture is legendary! 🏋️‍♂️ Even if he retires, his legacy is secure. But selfishly, I want to see him play at least 2 more years - that 71st century is coming soon!

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