Former West Indies captain Brian Lara has subsequently made an emotional appeal to Virat Kohli, asking him to reconsider his reported decision to stop playing Test cricket. Lara, who is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time, explained that Kohli's role could be significant for the future of the longest format. Kohli, who is ranked number four for runs scored as an active Test player, has been considering retirement after India's recent disappointments.

Lara, the record holder of the highest individual Test score (400*), came out in support of Kohli in an Instagram post on Saturday, May 10. He posted an image of his chat with the Indian sensation during the current season of IPL, writing alongside it a powerful message: "Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded." He IS NOT retiring from Test cricket." Lara also confidently forecast that Kohli would average more than 60 in the remaining part of his Test career.

This development comes just days after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format on May 7. Kohli’s Test performances since 2020 have not been on par with his earlier standards. In his last 69 innings, he has scored 2028 runs at an average of 30.72, managing just three centuries. This contrasts sharply with his earlier record of 7202 runs at an average of 54.97, which included 27 centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Brian Lara (@brianlaraofficial)

Also read:  Former England Captain slams ECB for prioritising IPL over Test matches for Jacob Bethell

Calls for Kohli to Continue in Test Cricket Intensify

Kohli's recent dip in form was highlighted during a recent trip to Australia for the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored 190 runs in 9 innings, including a century in the first match. India lost the series 3-1, surrendering the prestigious trophy to Australia after a decade of dominance. Kohli also struggled in the home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, contributing modest scores.

Piling on the pressure along with Lara's request for Kohli to continue playing, retired CSK and India batsman Ambati Rayudu issued an emotional appeal on X (Twitter). "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."

India's next Test series gets underway June 20 in England, which launches the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle.