Our Bureau
New Delhi
Virat Kohli retiring from the test format was in no one’s cards especially before such a major English tour. The star player’s retirement left many in shock and of the opinion that the 36-year-old has a bit more red-ball cricket left in him. However, Michael Clarke, former Australian captain, believes there is still a possibility that Kohli might return in the Test whites for India.
In his podcast, Beyond23, Clarke talked about the upcoming 5-match test series between India and England which will be hosted by England. He was talking about the new look Indian side under Shubman Gill after the retirement of its two pillars in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
The World Cup-winning captain for Australia said that he believes that there is still a possibility that Kohli might come out of retirement. According to Clarke, Kohli still has love for test cricket so if India gets whitewashed in the series against England and the captain and selectors ask him to return, then we can see Kohli playing red-ball once again.
“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. And I 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,” Clarke said on Beyond23 podcast.
Talking about Kohli’s love for the game, Clarke stated that Kohli still considers it the top format and is good enough to play for some time more. Clarke also spoke about the chances of him returning being very slim as he thinks India is still a very formidable side and won’t get whitewashed in England.
He said, “He still loves Test cricket. He sees it as the pinnacle and he’s still playing good enough cricket. If they don’t perform, if they get beaten, like I say, 5-0 in England, which I don’t think they will. I think they can still win in England, even without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. I think this Indian squad is a good squad.”
