Just weeks before India’s crucial tour of England, star batter Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket. His decision came shortly after Rohit Sharma also stepped away from the format. Kohli shared a heartfelt message on Instagram last Monday, reflecting on his journey and the road ahead for Indian cricket.
Former India pacer Joginder Sharma said the timing of their retirement was surprising. He believes both players still had more to offer.
“Virat’s fitness and form didn’t suggest this was the right time,” Joginder told ANI. “He should have continued playing, and so should Rohit. Every player faces a rough patch, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop. India’s strong bench strength will help the team recover, but legends like them are not easy to replace.”
Kohli’s 14-year Test career left a lasting mark. He scored 9,230 runs in 113 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. More than his numbers, he brought a culture of fitness and aggression to a team that balanced youth with experience. He retires as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests.
Rohit Sharma also ended a successful red-ball career, finishing with 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57. He scored 12 centuries and 18 fifties in 67 Tests.
Kohli’s exit continues a broader shift in the Indian setup, where several senior players have stepped away from Test cricket. Earlier, ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had also retired from international cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Despite the void left by these stalwarts, team officials and former players believe India’s depth and young talent will help carry the legacy forward.
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