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"He Reached Out In April" Agarkar Breaks Silence On Virat Kohli's Test Retirement Timeline

Akshita Patel

Ajit Agarkar on Virat Kohli's Test retirement [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @ANI/X.com]Ajit Agarkar on Virat Kohli's Test retirement [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @ANI/X.com]

India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Virat Kohli reached out to him in April to convey his decision to retire from Test cricket. Agarkar added that the star batter had made up his mind a long time ago.

BCCI’s selection committee announced the squad for India’s upcoming Test tour to England on May 24, 2025. Shubman Gill is set to succeed Rohit Sharma as captain, with Rishabh Pant being his deputy.

Meanwhile, during the press conference, chief selector Ajit Agarkar shed light on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement and issued a timeline for decision-making.

Virat Kohli Took A Call On Test Retirement In April

On May 12, 2025, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket through a moving social media post. He quit the format after 123 Tests and 9230 runs.

Meanwhile, during a recent press conference, chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Kohli had made up his mind to walk away from the longest format in April.

"Virat reached out early April & said he had made up his mind," Agarkar told media.

He reached out to the selection committee in April and informed them about his decision. BCCI, meanwhile, honoured his wishes and allowed him to walk away with grace. 

That being said, before Kohli, India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma had also announced his Test retirement. With both seniors walking away, a new-look Indian side will be seen in England next month.

Shubman Gill Replaces Rohit Sharma As Test Captain

India have announced their squad for the 5-match Test series against England, with Shubman Gill named the new captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement. Rishabh Pant will serve in a vice-captaining capacity. Notably, Mohammed Shami and Sarfaraz Khan missed out due to concerns about fitness and form. 

Karun Nair receives a call-up after a brilliant Ranji season, along with Abhimanyu Easwaran. Kuldeep Yadav returns to the side after the retirement of Ashwin. The squad also included Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Nitish Reddy, Jadeja, and Dhruv Jurel.