Michael Clarke has questioned whether a heavy defeat for India in their upcoming series against England could persuade Virat Kohli to return to Test cricket.
Speaking on the podcast he hosts – Beyond23 – the former Australia Test captain spoke about Kohli's retirement from the longest format. Kohli retired from Test cricket last month ahead of a marquee five Test match series against England, drawing to a close a Test career which spanned 14 years.
“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 on the podcast, as quoted by PTI.
“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. He still loves Test cricket.
“I think his words, I think those words, like you could hear his passion for Test cricket is real.”
It's been less than a month since Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, but former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes an extreme result in England could bring him back... pic.twitter.com/jdazFD9BsA
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) June 7, 2025
India will begin their series in England later this month, with Shubman Gill set to captain the side and favourite to take Kohli's position at No.4. Kohli announced his Test retirement with a statement on social media which read: "I've given it everything I had, and it's given me back so much more than I could've hoped for. I'm walking away with a heart full of gratitude - for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile."
Last week, Kohli ended a 17-year wait for an IPL title as Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings in the tournament final. Speaking in the immediate aftermath of the win, Kohli said: "This moment (the IPL win) is right up there with the best moments I've had in my career, but it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That's how much I value Test cricket. That's how much I love Test cricket."
The first Test of India's series in England will begin on June 20 at Headingley.
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