According to the cricket website ESPNcricinfo, Kohli has been engaged in conversations with top BCCI officials for the past month, signalling his intent to step away before India's upcoming Test series in England starting this June. 

While no formal announcement has been made, team management reportedly hopes the veteran batter will reconsider, given the significance of the England tour and the leadership transition underway. 

India will be led by a new Test Captain in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who confirmed his retirement from the format earlier this week. 

Shubman Gill is believed to be the frontrunner to take over the role. In that context, Kohli's experience is seen as invaluable-not only as a batter but as a senior figure in a largely transitional squad. 

Kohli, 36, has played 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. 

He captained India in 68 of those matches, winning 40 and losing just 17, making him the most successful Test captain in the country's history. 

Globally, only Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh have registered more Test victories as captains. 

--SABC--