Virat Kohli To Play For Middlesex In English County After Test Retirement? All You Need To Know

Virat Kohli may have called time on his illustrious Test career, but the Indian cricket icon could still be seen playing county reports. According to a report by The Guardian, Middlesex County Cricket Club is preparing an ambitious offer to sign the former India captain for a short stint, with the club hoping to lure him with the promise of playing at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Confirming the club’s interest, Middlesex Director of Cricket Alan Coleman told The Guardian, “Virat Kohli is the most iconic player of his generation, so of course we are interested in having that conversation.”

The club, currently competing in Division Two of the County Championship, has a clear plan to make the most of its Lord’s home base as a magnet for international stars.

Back in 2019, they signed South African legend AB de Villiers for the T20 Blast, and this season, they’ve already secured New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, who is also set to play for London Spirit in The Hundred. Middlesex is scheduled to play two crucial matches at Lord’s in September against Derbyshire and Gloucestershire. These fixtures could serve as the perfect stage for Kohli to make his county debut.

Kohli's long-standing interest in county cricket further strengthens the chances. He had previously signed with Surrey in 2018, hoping to gain experience ahead of India’s England tour. However, a neck injury derailed the plan.

Adding to Middlesex’s optimism is Kohli’s London connection. He owns a residence in the city, which he shares with wife Anushka Sharma and their two children making a short-term deal both logistically and personally viable.

How has Kohli fares at Lords

Kohli’s numbers at Lord’s in Test cricket aren’t particularly impressive 127 runs in three matches at an average of just 21.17 he still holds a special memory at the venue. In 2021, under his leadership, India pulled off one of their most memorable Test victories at Lord’s, cementing Kohli’s legacy on the hallowed ground.