The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to hold a meeting with Virat Kohli to discuss his reported desire to quit from Test cricket. The legendary batter's retirement plans has sent shock waves across the globe. A highly respected and valued figure in the Indian Cricket is set to meet the star batter to convince him to play the red-ball format ahead of India's tour of England starting June 20.
The crucial meeting is set to take place before Test squad selection tentatively on May 23. According to Cricbuzz report, the exact location for the selection committee meeting is not disclosed. Apart from the Kohli meeting, the BCCI has also planned a media conference to introduce the new red-ball captain. The India A squad for the England tour will also be announced within two days.
For the unversed, the BCCI has previously managed to convince players. A recent example was when they convinced Rohit Sharma to give up Test captaincy. It is also understood that there might be a case that the influential figure might have discussed with the team India opener before he announced his Test retirement on May 07.
Can BCCI & an influential figure convince Virat Kohi to change his decision?
It remains to be seen whether the BCCI manages to succeed in convincing Virat Kohli, but there is optimism that the individual chosen by the board to speak with the star batter could inspire him to reverse his decision. The BCCI also wants to know in detail about Kohli's desire to step away from Test cricket - a format where he relishes most playing, and considers close to his heart.
A massive dip in form might be one of the reasons for the 36-year-old's retirement decision from Test cricket. The right-hand batter could score just 186 runs in five Test matches Down Under in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year. Also, Kohli's average saw a sharp decline from mid-50s to just around 46. The 36-year-old is also just 770 runs away from reaching 10,000 Test runs.
Also Read: BCCI, please convince him to stay: Fans emotional on Virat Kohli's Test retirement
Kohli's decision to quit Test cricket has made fans extremely emotional, and like BCCI, they wish to see the star batter for a longer while in the whites. With India in transition in Test cricket, and with most likely Shubman Gill to lead India in the five-match Test tour to England, Kohli's humongous experience could prove to be priceless.
