Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif suggested that Virat Kohli to feature against England in the five-Test match series to prove himself before announcing his retirement from the longest format of the game. Kaif's statement came after Kohli reportedly told BCCI that he is unlikely to be available for the upcoming red-ball series against England he will hang up his boots in Tests.
Kaif, who was also a part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during his playing days, urged Kohli to announce his retirement after an impressive performance in England, just like he did during the T20 World Cup 2024.
"Virat Kohli, Hindustan ka babbar Sher ab aram ke mood mein hai, Kyuki retirement ki taraf unka zehen jaara hai. What I feel is that he has to go to England and prove a point and end his Test career on high notes, just like he did during the T20 World Cup final" said Mohammad Kaif
Kaif also acknowledged that the outside off-stump bowling troubled Kohli a lot during his Test career. Despite doing a lot of practice, he was unable to counter that delivery.
"Kyuki ek aisi ball thi jo unko bahut saal se pareshan karri thi, wo thi off swing ball. Aisi ek bala thi jo tal nahi paayi unke career mein. (Because there was one ball that had been troubling him for many years, that was the off-swing ball. It was one such ball that could not find rhythm in his career.) He tried a lot. tried He % effort. He every match. But he couldn't. I first time. Australia, after scoring in Perth, Virat Kohli got out of form. This has never happened" added Kaif
The upcoming five-Test match series against England is scheduled to start from June 20, and a new captain will be seen leading India as Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from the longest format of the game. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to announce the squad for the red-ball series, and Sports Tak earlier reported that Shubman Gill will lead the side and Rishabh Pant will be his deputy.