BCCI official pleads with Virat Kohli to reverse Test retirement if RCB lifts IPL trophy

Virat Kohli requested to come out of retirement ahead of England series. (BCCI Photo)

IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has issued a heartfelt appeal to Virat Kohli ahead of the much-anticipated IPL 2025 final. Dhumal urged the Indian cricket icon to continue playing in the IPL, even if Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally clinch their maiden title this season. He also called on Kohli to reconsider his recent decision to retire from Test cricket.

Kohli had announced his Test retirement last month, just ahead of the BCCI’s squad announcement for the England series. Since then, rumors have swirled that the former India captain might also bid farewell to the IPL if RCB lift the long-awaited trophy. RCB are set to play in the final on June 3.

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Speaking about Kohli’s fitness, Dhumal said, _"_Fitness that Virat has, he is probably fitter than he was in season 1. I want Virat to continue playing even after RCB wins the trophy. The whole country would want Virat to continue, and I would want him to reconsider his decision to retire from Test Cricket."

“I hope that he doesn’t take retirement from IPL, he is the greatest ambassador for the sport. His commitment to cricket is equivalent to what Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic is to Tennis, so I want him to continue,” he added.

VIDEO | IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal wants Virat Kohli to reconsider his retirement from test cricket. He also wants Virat to continue playing IPL even if RCB wins the trophy this time. He has also drawn a parallel between Virat Kohli in cricket and Roger Federer and Novak pic.twitter.com/t5Y3p1DTZH Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 1, 2025

Virat Kohli had announced his retirement from T20 Internationals after helping India win the T20 World Cup last year. He later stepped away from Test cricket following a disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia, just before the start of India’s new World Test Championship cycle. As it stands, Kohli will only be available for selection in ODIs.

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Despite scaling back his international commitments, Kohli continues to make headlines. He recently guided India to an ICC Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai and has been in sensational form for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, likely to finish as their top run-scorer this IPL season for the franchise. His performances have been instrumental in RCB’s journey to the final.

However, with the elusive IPL title now within reach, speculation has grown that Kohli may choose to retire from the league if RCB go all the way. It is against this backdrop that IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has urged Kohli to continue playing, both in the IPL and in Test cricket.

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