'Virat Kohli could come out of Test retirement if ... ': Michael Clarke

NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Virat Kohli, who has often called Test cricket the pinnacle of the sport, might come out of retirement if India endure a heavy defeat in the upcoming five-Test series in England and the team management and selectors request his return.Kohli had announced his retirement from the longest format last month after playing 123 Tests for India, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.

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“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 told the Beyond23 Cricket podcast on Friday."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.”

After fulfilling his long-standing dream of winning the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli had said the title still ranked “five levels under Test cricket.”Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma had announced their retirement from the Test format ahead of the England series, which begins with the opening match in Leeds on June 20.

"Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket. I think tactically any team will miss his captaincy. I think tactically he was a brilliant captain. Virat Kohli walks away from Test cricket. Devastating! What an absolute champion he's been and Test cricket will miss him," Clarke said.