News India Live, Digital Desk: Last month, Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket shocked fans and experts. The former Indian captain, known to redefine fitness standards and set a batting standard, announced his retirement after a disappointing series in Australia. While many people thought that this decision was final, a new twist has raised hope again: Indian Premier League (IPL) president Arun Dhumal has publicly urged Kohli to rethink Kohli.
Kohli’s long format has led to an emptiness which is difficult to fill. India is ready to play a five -Test series with England in Headingley since 20 June, so fans are already struggling with the idea of playing someone else at number 4. The lack of Kohli will be felt not only in the dressing room but also in every fan living room.
“Virat is the same for cricket who is for Federer Tennis”: Arun Dhumal’s strong appeal
In an encouraging statement to PTI, Arun Dhumal compared Kohli to the global game giants and said, “Virat is the same for cricket that is for Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer Tennis.” He praised Kohli’s unmatched commitment and fitness and said that even after 18 difficult IPL sessions, 36 -year -old Kohli is at the top of his physical condition.
Dhumal said, “Looking at Virat’s fitness, he is probably more fit now than the first season.” “Even though RCB wins the IPL in this season, I hope and I believe that Virat will not retire completely from the game.”
This feeling is throughout the cricket community. Dhumal, former BCCI treasurer and current IPL chief, still works technically under the board’s umbrella – hence his argument is a lot of weight.
The time of Dhumal’s appeal is no coincidence. Kohli’s IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), defeated Punjab Kings by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1 in Mulanpur, reached the final of IPL 2025. The franchise is still looking for his elusive first title, the story looks almost cinematic: Can Kohli’s test ambitions again wake up by lifting the trophy?
RCB’s visit to the finals – his fourth – after heartbreak in 2009, 2011 and 2016 – has re -raised hopes among fans, which see it not only for the franchise, but also as a significant turn for Kohli, but also for Kohli.
Kohli has already been away from T20 and now Tests, but only ODI and IPL are left in his professional portfolio. This has created real concern: If RCB wins IPL, will Kohli take advantage of this opportunity and get away from franchise cricket too?
Dhumal does not think so. He insisted, “Neither I think so, nor do I hope so.” He believes that the country still needs Kohli – not only for his runs but also for his aura, passion and leadership.
There is a period of speculation about Kohli’s future, but now the attention has also gone to his successor. Shubman Gill, appointed as the new Test captain of India, has got the green signal from Dhumal.
Dhumal, referring to Gill’s success with Gujarat Titans and his brief tenure as India’s stand-in captain, said, “The kind of leadership he has shown in the last two editions is unprecedented.” Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rinku Singh are also emerging from the IPL pipeline, so the future looks bright – but the emptiness left by Kohli is undisputed.
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