Even though Virat Kohli has officially stepped away from Test cricket, there's a strong chance that the Indian batting icon could still feature on English soil this year - this time in domestic cricket.

According to a report in The Guardian, English county side Middlesex is exploring the possibility of signing Kohli for a short stint, potentially giving fans the rare opportunity to witness him at Lord's, the iconic venue often dubbed the "Home of Cricket".

Kohli, 36, may have ruled himself out of India's upcoming Test tour of England following his retirement from red-ball internationals, but doors remain open for a County Championship or Metro Bank Cup appearance - provided all parties reach an agreement.

Speaking about the prospect of signing Kohli, Middlesex's director of cricket Alan Coleman said: "Virat Kohli is the most iconic player of his generation, so of course we are interested in having that conversation."

While Middlesex are reportedly keen, the scheduling might prove tricky. The club doesn't play any matches at Lord's during the peak summer block of the Championship season and has just one Metro Bank Cup fixture at Lord's in August.

They are expected to return to the venue in September for the final Division Two matches against Derbyshire and Gloucestershire - potential windows during which Kohli could don the Middlesex colours.

Kohli's potential stint is further helped by logistical convenience - the former India skipper maintains a residence in London, where he lives with wife Anushka Sharma and their two children. The move would also align with his long-expressed interest in playing County cricket.

Back in 2018, Kohli had signed with Surrey ahead of India's tour of England but had to withdraw due to a neck injury. While that deal fell through, Kohli went on to dominate the Test series that summer and was later named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year.

Now, with an international red-ball chapter behind him and county clubs eager for a star attraction, 2025 might finally be the year that Virat Kohli plays county cricket - a development that would add fresh excitement to the domestic season in England.Back in 2018, Kohli had signed with Surrey ahead of India's tour of England but had to withdraw due to a neck injury. While that deal fell through, Kohli went on to dominate the Test series that summer and was later named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year.

Now, with an international red-ball chapter behind him and county clubs eager for a star attraction, 2025 might finally be the year that Virat Kohli plays county cricket - a development that would add fresh excitement to the domestic season in England.