Virat Kohli To Skip IPL 2025 Play-Offs? RCB Ace Eyeing County Stint Ahead Of England Tests

Virat Kohli could leave IPL early for county stint [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]

The cricketing world is buzzing with speculation about Virat Kohli's future. Amid talks of retirement after India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat, Kohli is reportedly eyeing a stint in County cricket to fine-tune his game ahead of the Test series against England.

Virat Kohli To Skip IPL For County Cricket

But, as with everything in cricket, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds. The plan to play County cricket hinges on Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL campaign. If RCB misses out on the playoffs, Kohli could head to England to gear up for the Test series starting June 20 at Leeds.

But if RCB makes it to the IPL final on May 25, Kohli would only have two weeks to dive into County cricket and adapt to English conditions. And let’s be real, 14 days is a blink-and-you-miss-it window in the cricketing world.

The County Stint: A Necessary Step For Kohli

Preparing for England’s swinging conditions is no walk in the park. Virat Kohli knows that. The last few series against England haven’t exactly gone according to plan for the Indian maestro, with deliveries outside the off-stump proving to be his undoing.

---

ALSO READ

Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli Set To Play In England Series: Reports

---

His recent dip in form has added fuel to the fire. After a stunning hundred in Perth, Kohli has looked like a shadow of his former self, plagued by self-doubt and shot selection woes.

A County stint could be the perfect remedy. Spending time in English conditions would allow Kohli to sharpen his skills and regain his confidence. It’s not just about technique; it’s about getting his head back in the game.

The IPL Dilemma

Here’s the catch: Kohli is an integral part of RCB. His presence isn’t just about runs, it’s about leadership and the aura he brings to the team. The IPL is a big-money tournament, and franchise owners hold a lot of sway. Walking away from the IPL to prepare for international cricket isn’t as simple as it sounds.

In the past, players like Pat Cummins have skipped franchise cricket to focus on bigger goals, like the World Test Championship Final and the Ashes. But Kohli’s case is different. He’s deeply tied to RCB, and the decision to play County cricket would require some tough calls.

However, if RCB fails to make the playoffs, Kohli has a golden opportunity to head to England early and get some County games under his belt. But if they do make it to the finals, it’s crunch time. The question is: Will two weeks be enough?

What’s Next for Kohli?

Kohli is at a crossroads in his career. With retirement whispers growing louder, every decision matters. A County stint could be the perfect way to silence his critics and prepare for what could be a defining Test series against England.

---

ALSO READ

'Virat Kohli Is Super Motivated': Former RCB Captain Backs Kohli To Overcome Lean Patch

---