Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, is currently playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL, but reports suggest that Middlesex, the prestigious English county cricket club, is keen to sign him following his retirement from Test cricket. After stepping down from the longest format of the game on May 12, Kohli could be seeking a new challenge in England’s County Championship.
Kohli’s Retirement and Impact on International Cricket
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Both fans and experts were shocked by Virat Kohli’s announcement that he was retiring from Test cricket. Kohli retired at 36 years of age with 9,230 runs (from 123 Test matches), 30 hundreds and 31 fifties.
He captained India to a milestone 40 wins in 68 Test matches, making him one of the most successful red-ball captains in the history of Indian cricket. With Kohli retiring, many cricket fans will be cornered as to what part of his career could be next, with noise from Middlesex as a potential landing place.
Middlesex’s Interest in Kohli and Possible Deal with Williamson
Middlesex County Cricket Club, whose home is at the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground, has shown a keen interest in hiring Virat Kohli for the County Championship. Middlesex Director of Cricket Alan Coleman assured that there are talks in the pipeline. Coleman was quoted by The Guardian, stating, “Virat Kohli is the most iconic player of his generation, so of course, we are interested in having that conversation.”
Middlesex boasts a history of recruiting the world’s best players, having signed Kohli’s past RCB teammate AB de Villiers for the 2019 T20 Blast in the past. Even New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is playing for the club during the second part of the season. If Kohli joins, fans might get to look forward to a thrilling middle-order combination with Williamson.
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Kohli’s Eligibility for the County Championship and the One-Day Cup
While Kohli’s central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) restricts him from participating in competitions like The Hundred or the T20 Blast, he remains eligible to play in the County Championship or the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. This makes him a viable option for Middlesex, particularly for the longer formats of the game.
Potential Clash with James Anderson and the Rivalry Resurfaces
If the deal is finalized, then one of the most exciting possibilities would be watching Virat Kohli take on England’s all-time great pacer James Anderson, particularly in a Middlesex vs Lancashire match at Old Trafford. Kohli and Anderson have always had intense on-field battles in the past, and this competition might rise again in the County Championship.
Earlier Attempt to Play in England
Kohli had already been scheduled to play for Surrey during 2018 but had to pull out because of a neck injury. Now, with Kohli announcing his retirement from Test cricket, the chance to play in the County Championship with Middlesex arises again, presenting the English fans with an opportunity to see Kohli in action.
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