'Test cricket needs Virat': Brian Lara urges Kohli to continue playing longest format

IANS May 10, 2025 355 views

Cricket legend Brian Lara has made a passionate public plea for Virat Kohli to reconsider his reported Test cricket retirement. Kohli, who has been a transformative figure in Indian cricket, has reportedly informed BCCI of his intention to step away from the longest format before the upcoming England series. With 9230 runs and a stellar leadership record, Kohli's potential exit raises significant concerns about the team's future. The cricket fraternity, including former players like Lara and Ambati Rayudu, are unanimously urging him to continue representing India in Test matches.

"Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded." - Brian Lara
New Delhi, May 10: Former West Indies legend Brian Lara has made a public plea to Virat Kohli, urging the Indian batting icon to withdraw his reported decision to retire from Test cricket. Lara’s message comes at a time when uncertainty looms over Kohli’s red-ball future.

Key Points

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Brian Lara publicly supports Kohli's Test cricket continuation

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Kohli considering retirement before England tour

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9230 runs in 123 Tests with 46.85 average

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Potential leadership gap in Indian cricket team

According to an IANS report, the 35-year-old has informed the BCCI of his desire to retire from Test cricket ahead of India’s upcoming five-match series in England, starting June 20. However, the BCCI has not given up. Sources within the board say they are trying to convince Kohli to continue, especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle beginning with the England tour.

Taking to social media, Lara posted, "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."

Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has represented India in 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. He also led India in 68 Tests, making him the country's most successful captain in the format. His intensity, fitness, and leadership transformed India into a dominant Test side both at home and overseas.

Earlier, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has too pleaded to Virat Kohli to reconsider his rumoured decision to retire from Test cricket.

"Virat Kohli, please don’t retire. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India...Please reconsider," posted Rayudu.

With Rohit Sharma having recently retired from Test cricket, Kohli’s exit would leave the team without its two most experienced batters. This raises serious concerns about leadership and depth as India prepare for a challenging English summer.

The selectors, it is learnt, are keen to move forward with long-term options but also understand the need for a senior figure like Kohli to guide the transition.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Virat is the heartbeat of Indian Test cricket! 🏏 His passion on the field is unmatched. If he retires now, who will inspire the next generation? Hope BCCI convinces him to stay for at least 2 more years. #KingKohli
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Priya M.
While I love watching Virat play, we must respect his decision. He's given his all for 13 years! Maybe it's time to focus on grooming new talent. The transition won't be easy but it's necessary.
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Arjun S.
Lara is absolutely right! Test cricket needs stars like Kohli. His presence alone lifts the entire team's performance. Imagine the England tour without him - the dressing room will miss his energy and experience.
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Sneha R.
As much as I want Virat to continue, we can't ignore his recent struggles in Tests. Maybe he wants to go out on his own terms rather than being pushed out later. Still hoping for one last epic series from him though! 🤞
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Vikram J.
No Kohli in Tests? This feels like Sachin's retirement all over again! 😢 The team needs his fighting spirit, especially in overseas conditions. Hope he reconsiders for the WTC cycle at least.
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Neha P.
Maybe he's tired of carrying the team for so long. We've been too dependent on him and Rohit. Time for youngsters like Gill and Jaiswal to step up. Change is inevitable in sports.
K
Karan D.
If Virat

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Tags:
Virat Kohli Brian Lara Test Cricket Indian Cricket BCCI Cricket Retirement