Less than a week after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, Indian batting legend Virat Kohli has received an offer to play county cricket in England. Middlesex County Cricket Club has expressed strong interest in signing Kohli for the upcoming domestic season, marking a potential new chapter in his illustrious career.
Middlesex’s Interest in Kohli
Middlesex’s Director of Cricket, Alan Coleman, confirmed the club’s interest, stating, “Virat Kohli is the most iconic player of his generation, so of course we are interested in having that conversation.” The club is reportedly keen on having Kohli participate in both the County Championship and the One-Day Cup, leveraging his experience to strengthen their squad.
Kohli’s Previous County Cricket Plans
This isn’t the first time Kohli has been linked with county cricket. In 2018, he was set to play for Surrey to prepare for India’s tour of England, but a neck injury forced him to withdraw. Despite his long international career, Kohli has never played first-class cricket for an overseas team.
Will Kohli Accept the Offer?
While Middlesex’s interest is clear, Kohli’s participation remains uncertain. Given his ongoing IPL commitments and focus on limited-overs cricket, it remains to be seen whether he will take up the county cricket challenge. His London residence and past interest in playing in England could make a short-term deal logistically viable.
Kohli’s Test Legacy
Kohli retired from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, finishing as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85. He led India to 40 Test victories, making him the country’s most successful Test captain.
As speculation grows over Kohli’s next move, cricket fans eagerly await his decision on whether he will embrace county cricket and continue his legacy in the red-ball format.
