BCCI advised to prepare 'exit plan' for Virat Kohli amid growing retirement speculations
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As the cricketing world discusses the future of India’s star players, speculations surrounding Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket have intensified.
The 36-year-old batting stalwart has been grappling with form issues, particularly during the ongoing series in Australia, prompting calls for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to outline a clear succession plan.
In his last seven innings, Kohli's scores read 5, 100, 7, 11, 3, 36, and 5, painting a picture of inconsistency. His troubles with deliveries outside the off-stump have been particularly pronounced on Australian pitches. Although he displayed some discipline during his 36-run knock in the first innings of the Melbourne Test, the recurring dismissal pattern outside the 6th or 7th stump has raised concerns about his ability to adapt in the longest format.
Kohli himself acknowledged these challenges, admitting a lack of discipline in tackling the conditions Down Under. With just the Sydney Test remaining in the series, another underwhelming performance could push him to reevaluate his future in red-ball cricket, especially as promising young players have made a strong impression on the tour.
Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan has emphasized the need for the BCCI to have a concrete exit strategy in place for Kohli. "Players often believe their best is just around the corner, but such extended lean phases hurt the team. The management must ensure clarity regarding a player's plans to maintain the cricketing structure’s stability," Wassan told ANI.
While Kohli has already retired from T20 internationals, his Test career seems precarious. Wassan noted that while Kohli remains a mentally resilient player, the prolonged struggle has led to questions about his role in the team. He also urged the BCCI to identify a successor and implement a succession policy to ensure a seamless transition when the time comes.
The discussions around Kohli’s future come as Rohit Sharma, the Indian Test captain, is reportedly considering retirement from Test cricket after the conclusion of the Australia tour. Sharma’s possible exit, combined with Kohli’s uncertain form, could signify a significant shift in Indian cricket’s leadership and batting order.
As Kohli faces mounting pressure, the Sydney Test could be a pivotal moment in deciding his red-ball future. While his fans and supporters continue to hope for a resurgence, the BCCI is being urged to prepare for all eventualities, ensuring that Indian cricket remains well-equipped for the future.