'Virat Kohli, please don't retire; Team India needs you'

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has appealed to Virat Kohli to reconsider his reported decision to retire from Test cricket. According to reports, Kohli has expressed his intention to step away from the longest format, a development that has stirred the Indian cricketing fraternity.

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"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..," Rayudu posted on his X handle.

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..

— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 10, 2025

Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has played a pivotal role in India's rise in red-ball cricket over the past decade. Known for his aggressive leadership, consistent batting performances, and unrelenting intensity, he helped shape India into a dominant Test side both at home and overseas. With more than 9,000 runs and 30 centuries in the format, Kohli’s impact has been immense.


Although Kohli has yet to issue an official statement, social media has been abuzz with fans and former players urging him to continue, hoping the modern-day great extends his red-ball legacy. For now, the cricketing world watches and waits.

Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday.

Earlier, Ravichandran Ashwin had also called time on his international career during the Australia tour last year.