Arun Dhumal Urges Virat Kohli to Reconsider Test Retirement Amid IPL Success

Dhumal's Call for Kohli to Stay in Test Cricket

Arun Dhumal, the current IPL chairman and former treasurer of the BCCI, has encouraged Virat Kohli to rethink his decision to step away from Test cricket. Kohli announced his retirement from the longest format in May, just before the announcement of India's squad for the England tour.

While Kohli continues to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, Dhumal emphasizes the importance of his role in the Test team.

In a conversation with a news agency, Dhumal expressed his belief that Kohli would not retire from all formats, even if RCB secures their first IPL title.

"See neither do I think that, nor do I hope that."

Dhumal praised Kohli's significant contributions to Indian cricket, likening him to legendary athletes such as Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

"Virat is the greatest ambassador for the sport (of cricket). And the kind of commitment he has shown over the last 18 editions, 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 of retirement from Test cricket."

He also highlighted Kohli's remarkable fitness and enthusiasm, which remain strong even after nearly two decades at the elite level.

"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 aggression and commitment. Even if RCB win, I would, and the whole country would want Virat to continue."

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RCB Aiming for Their First IPL Title

Kohli's team, RCB, advanced to their fourth IPL final following an impressive 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in the first Qualifier at Mullanpur. Despite previous appearances in the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, the franchise is still in search of its inaugural IPL trophy.

With Kohli in excellent form and the team hitting their stride at the right moment, fans are optimistic that this could be the year they finally clinch the title.

RCB will face PBKS again, this time in the tournament final on June 3. Notably, PBKS is also pursuing their first IPL championship since their inception in 2008.