Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has made a bold prediction, suggesting that Virat Kohli might reconsider his retirement from Test cricket if the Men in Blue suffer a crushing defeat in the India tour of England 2025.

Virat Kohli, who recently won his maiden title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, shocked fans last month by announcing his retirement from the longer format after 123 Tests, 9230 runs and 30 centuries at an average of 46.85.

“I believe this,” said Clarke. “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.”

Michael Clarke has stressed that Virat Kohli’s passion for the red-ball format remains undiminished.

“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 those words — you could hear his passion for Test cricket is real.”

Virat Kohli himself had reinforced that sentiment stating that the title triumph still ranked, “five levels under Test cricket.”

India’s test squad will also be without Rohit Sharma who announced his retirement recently.

Michael Clarke has also praised senior battters who announced his retirement. “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 confidence in the new-look Indian squad for the five match test series. “If that’s the case, then so be it. But if they don’t perform, if they get beaten, like I say, 5-0 in England — which I don’t think they will — I think they can still win in England, even without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. I think this Indian squad is a good squad.”

He also lauded Sai Sudharsan for special praise following his breakout IPL season with Gujarat Titans.

“Forget he’s the leading run scorer, but to me, this kid is a superstar,” Clarke said. “I think he’s a number three in Test cricket. I think he’s probably going to open the batting in time in India’s T20 team.”

“He’s in their Test squad. He gets his first opportunity in England. I think he can walk straight into bat number three. I think technically he’s very good. He’s got all the shots and mentally he’s ready,” added Clarke.

“He really impressed me. And he’s a good-looking player as well. He’s got that left-hander backlift. He plays all the shots; against the quicks he’ll take on the short ball.”

He also addressed the Bengaluru Stampede incident that marred RCB‘s victory celebrations which resulted in the deat of 11 people.

“It’s devastating to see anybody get injured or hurt or even worse, pass away — it’s absolutely devastating. Hopefully, we never see this again.”

“I think the players should be able to celebrate with the fans. Even if it’s packed, take the players to the stadium and let them do a lap of honour at their home ground — something like that.”

“Whatever it is, I hope this doesn’t stop players and fans being able to celebrate together because I think the fans deserve it. But you never, ever want to see someone get hurt or injured or pass.”

“So yeah, thoughts are with all the families. Devastating news. It certainly was a sad end to what has been an absolutely incredible season,” Michael Clarke concluded.