As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stand on the brink of a historic first IPL title, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is making one last appeal to Virat Kohli—reconsider your Test retirement, especially if you win the IPL.
Kohli shocked Indian cricket fans earlier this year by announcing his retirement from the longest format, a decision that came just before the BCCI named the squad for the upcoming Test series against England. But with RCB’s dream season culminating in an IPL 2025 final on June 3, speculation has intensified that Kohli could also walk away from the IPL—prompting IPL Chairman and former BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal to intervene publicly.
In an interview with Press Trust of India (PTI), Dhumal made a direct appeal to Kohli, urging him not only to continue playing in the IPL but also to reverse his decision to walk away from Test cricket.
Dhumal to Kohli: The country wants you to continue
Dhumal was effusive in his praise and emotional in his plea, urging Kohli to stay in the game—both in the IPL and in Tests.
“Virat is the greatest ambassador for cricket. And the kind of commitment he has shown, I would say Virat is to cricket what [Novak] Djokovic or Roger Federer is to tennis. So I would want him to continue playing IPL and I would rather want him to reconsider his decision to retire from Test cricket.”
This wasn’t just a sentimental appeal; Dhumal pointed to Kohli’s supreme physical condition and longevity as reasons he still has a lot to give.
“Given the fitness that Virat has, he is probably fitter now than he was in the first season, after playing 18 editions of the IPL. And he still comes back with the same kind of energy and commitment to the game. Given his dedication in the first season and the next 17, he is going to come back with the same passion and commitment. Even if RCB wins, I would, and the whole country would want Virat to continue.”
With fans and pundits speculating whether a triumphant IPL campaign could mark Kohli’s swansong, Dhumal was firm:
“See neither do I think that, nor do I hope that.”
Kohli’s current standing: Only ODIs remain—for now
Following his T20I retirement after leading India to a World Cup win last year, and his exit from the Test arena, Kohli is currently only available for selection in ODIs. Yet, his form has been electric—both internationally and in this IPL season—where he is likely to finish as RCB’s top run-scorer once again.
He also captained India to an ICC Champions Trophy title in Dubai recently, underlining his enduring value in pressure situations.
A new Test era under Shubman Gill
While the BCCI is hopeful of a Kohli return, the board has already turned the page with the appointment of 25-year-old Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain. Dhumal endorsed the decision wholeheartedly:
“The kind of leadership he has shown over the last two editions has been phenomenal. Shubman has been a great leader and opener. I wish him all the very best for his Test career. He has a long time on his side, and he’ll do his best. IPL has provided great talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh.”
Gill has already shown promise as captain, leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL playoffs and performing well during India’s white-ball series in Zimbabwe.
Will Kohli answer the call?
As RCB prepares for what could be a fairytale ending, all eyes will be on Kohli—not just to deliver with the bat, but to see if he’ll heed the BCCI’s emotional appeal and return to the red-ball arena. For now, the ball is in Kohli’s court, and the cricketing world waits.
VIDEO | IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal wants Virat Kohli to reconsider his retirement from test cricket. He also wants Virat to continue playing IPL even if RCB wins the trophy this time. He has also drawn a parallel between Virat Kohli in cricket and Roger Federer and Novak… pic.twitter.com/t5Y3p1DTZH
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 1, 2025
