'High note pe khatam kare': Kaif urges Virat Kohli to play England series

The cricketing world is rallying behind Virat Kohli, urging him to reconsider his reported decision to retire from Test cricket — with former India star Mohammad Kaif becoming the latest voice to appeal to the batting great.According to TimesofIndia.com report, Kohli has communicated his intention to retire from the longest format to the BCCI, sparking widespread debate.

Amid this, Kaif released a heartfelt video message on social media, imploring Kohli to play the upcoming five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!"Virat Kohli, Hindustan ka babbar sher, ab araam ke mood me hai. Retirement ki taraf unka zahen ja raha hai. Mujhe lagta he ki who England jaaye, wahan par point prove karke, high note pe khatam kare. Jo kaam T20 World Cup me kiya tha, unchai par khatam kare apna career," said Kaif.

Kaif's call follows similar sentiments from legends like Brian Lara and Navjot Singh Sidhu. Sidhu emphasised India's need for Kohli's experience in the England series, saying, "His motive is noble, but the timing is not right. The pride and prestige of India are on the line."Lara, too, weighed in on social media, declaring, “Test cricket needs Virat!! He is NOT going to retire… he will average above 60 for the remainder of his Test career.”

With 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and an average of 46.85 across 123 Tests since debuting in 2011, Kohli remains India’s backbone in red-ball cricket — especially amid the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin.