Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has stirred discussion in the cricketing world with his thoughts on Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket and the possibility of a dramatic U-turn. Kohli, one of India’s most iconic Test batters, announced his retirement from the longest format last month, taking many by surprise.

Kohli’s decision came just days before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Shubman Gill as the new Test captain for the upcoming five-match series against England. Kohli’s exit from red-ball cricket followed shortly after Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement, marking a turning point for a team entering a major transitional phase.

Aussie legend hints at Virat Kohli’s Test return on one specific condition

However, Clarke now believed that Kohli’s retirement might not be final, and that a heavy defeat for India in England could see him reconsider. Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, Clarke offered a bold prediction about Kohli’s future. He suggested that if India were to suffer a one-sided series defeat, losing 5-0, for instance, the public and selectors might pressure Kohli to return. His belief stems from Kohli’s visible passion for the red-ball format, something the Indian batting maestro has spoken about often. Clarke also added that if both Gill and the selectors approach Kohli, coupled with strong public sentiment, the 36-year-old might find it hard to turn down a comeback.

“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. He still loves Test cricket. I think his words, I think those words, like you could hear his passion for Test cricket is real,” Clarke said.

Kohli left behind a towering legacy in Test cricket. In 123 Tests, he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 29 centuries to his name. His impact on Indian Test cricket was not just through statistics, but through the aggressive, fearless attitude he instilled in the team. From overseas victories in Australia to building a pace-dominant bowling attack, Kohli was central to India’s resurgence in the format.

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Indian team in transition as Kohli and Rohit Sharma exit

The Indian Test side is undergoing a significant generational shift. With both Rohit and Kohli stepping away from red-ball duties, and the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Mohammed Shami also absent, Gill will lead a relatively young and inexperienced unit in England.

This transitional phase makes the tour a massive challenge. Historically, India last won a Test series in England back in 2007, and conditions in England, with swing-friendly pitches and unpredictable weather, have always tested Indian batters. While the England squad itself is not at full strength due to injuries, the challenge for India remains daunting. Despite the speculation of Kohli returning, Clarke is not entirely pessimistic about India’s chances. He acknowledged the depth and potential in the current squad, suggesting that India could still pull off a series win.

“He (Virat) sees it as the pinnacle and he’s still playing good enough cricket. He definitely made the decision to retire and whatever his reasons are, everybody comes to that time in their career. If that’s the case, then so be it. But 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. India is a passionate cricket country. They want to see their team win. I think they can still beat England. There you go. I think they’re a good enough team. But if they don’t, if they get flogged, I think there’ll be a push for Virat Kohli to come out of retirement,” Clarke concluded.

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