Michael Clarke Suggests Virat Kohli Could Reverse Test Retirement if India Falter in England

 Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has suggested that Virat Kohli may consider coming out of Test retirement if India suffer a heavy defeat in their upcoming five-match series against England. Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, Clarke emphasized Kohli’s enduring passion for the format and hinted that the star batter might return if urged by the Indian team management and selectors.

“I believe this. If India go to England and get flogged, if they lose the series 5-0 for example, I think the fans will want Virat Kohli to come out of retirement and play Test cricket again,” Clarke said, as quoted by PTI. “And honestly, I think if he was asked by the captain, selectors and supported by fans—if they get beaten big time in England—I think he’ll come. He still loves Test cricket. You could hear his passion for Test cricket is real.”

Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket last month, following his earlier decision to step away from T20 Internationals in 2024. His departure, along with that of other senior players like Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Mohammed Shami, and Ajinkya Rahane, marks the beginning of a significant transition period for the Indian team. Shubman Gill is set to lead a youthful side in the high-stakes tour of England.

Despite England grappling with injuries to key players, the odds historically do not favor India, who last won a Test series on English soil in 2007.

Clarke, who led Australia in both Tests and ODIs from 2011 to 2015, believes Kohli's influence is still deeply missed—both within the Indian team and the broader Test cricketing world. “He sees it as the pinnacle and he’s still playing good enough cricket,” Clarke said. “He definitely made the decision to retire and whatever his reasons are, everybody comes to that time in their career. If that’s the case, then so be it.”

However, Clarke also voiced confidence in the current Indian squad’s capability. “I think they can still win in England, even without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. I think this Indian squad is a good squad,” he added.

While Kohli has given no public indication of reconsidering his retirement, Clarke’s remarks have sparked renewed speculation about a potential return—especially if the team’s fortunes in England take a downturn.