Muscat: Kohli has been in discussions with the BCCI for over a month regarding his decision. While he is expected to be named in the squad for the England tour, he has expressed his desire to make it his final appearance in the format.

Kohli’s Test legacy is monumental. In 123 Tests, including 68 as captain, he has amassed 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. As skipper, he led India to 40 victories—more than any other Indian captain—and ranks fourth on the all-time list of most Test wins as captain behind Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh.

However, the recent stretch hasn’t been as prolific. His century in Perth in November 2024 was his first in over a year, and his average over the past two years has dipped to 32.56, a stark contrast to his prime years between 2016-2018, where he averaged over 66, scoring 14 centuries in 35 Tests.

The England series holds personal and historical significance for Kohli. His 2018 tour there remains iconic—topping the series charts with 583 runs at 59.30, a remarkable comeback after a forgettable 2014 campaign in the same country.

His retirement talks come at a time of significant transition in Indian cricket. Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Tests earlier this week, and with R Ashwin also stepping away from international cricket, Kohli stands as one of the few remaining pillars of the previous era. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are currently out of contention, and fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s form remains under scrutiny post-injury. Only Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah join Kohli among the senior names left in the squad.

Shubman Gill is widely tipped to take over the captaincy, ushering in a new era. But Kohli’s experience will be pivotal for the young side, especially in English conditions where he has previously excelled.