The fact that Virat Kohli is no longer playing Test cricket is becoming more and more hard-hitting every day. Imagine how difficult it will be when No. 18 no longer steps out to bat after India's second wicket falls in the opening Test match against England at Headingley on June 20. It will be difficult to accept if Kohli is not at number four, regardless of who it is—India's recently chosen captain Shubman Gill or comeback man Karun Nair.

Everyone is still hoping that Kohli might make a comeback for India wearing whites. That is the BCCI's intention, nonetheless. Arun Dhumal, the Indian Premier League's (IPL) chairman, has asked Kohli to think about changing his mind about retiring from Test cricket. Although Dhumal, a former treasurer of the BCCI, is no longer formally affiliated with the organization, he is still a board official because the IPL is governed by it. And it is usually quite serious when it comes from the board.

"With Kohli having retired from T20Is and Tests, ODIs and the IPL are all the world has to witness the king create magic. However, there is a section of the public which fears the worst. With the Royal Challengers Bengaluru one win away from winning the Indian Premier League for the first time ever, what if Kohli bids farewell to the IPL too? "See neither do I think that, nor do I hope that," Dhumal told PTI replying to a question about Kohli potentially announcing IPL retirement as well if RCB wins IPL 2025.

In fact, if RCB wins the IPL on Tuesday, Dhumal urged Kohli to reverse his retirement decision. "Virat is the greatest ambassador for cricket. And the kind of commitment he has shown, I would say Virat is to cricket what [Novak] Djokovic or Roger Federer is to tennis. So I would want him to continue playing IPL and I would rather want him to reconsider his decision to retire from Test cricket," Dhumal added.

"Given the fitness that Virat has, he is probably fitter now than he was in the first season, after playing 18 editions of the IPL. And he still comes back with the same kind of energy and commitment to the game. Given his dedication in the first season and the next 17, he is going to come back with the same passion and commitment. Even if RCB wins, I would, and the whole country would want Virat to continue."

Dhumal offered his thoughts on the BCCI's choice to name Gill as India's new Test captain, stating that it is impossible to overlook the 25-year-old's remarkable leadership abilities. Although Gill has little experience leading a team at the highest level, his ability to lead India in a five-match series against Zimbabwe and his ability to lead the Gujarat Titans to the IPL Playoffs are indications that he is prepared for the role. Naturally, Gill is anticipated to develop as a batter and captain with time.

"The kind of leadership he has shown over the last two editions has been phenomenal. Shubman has been a great leader and opener. I wish him all the very best for his Test career. He has a long time on his side, and he'll do his best. IPL has provided great talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh," he said.

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