In a significant moment for Indian cricket, stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli recently announced their retirement from Test cricket, just five days apart. Their decisions have sent ripples across the cricketing world, leaving a massive void in the Indian red-ball setup ahead of the high-stakes England tour, which also marks the beginning of a new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
While both players had already bid adieu to T20 Internationals in 2023, they will now focus solely on the One-Day International (ODI) format going forward. However, their simultaneous Test exits have sparked debate about the future of India’s Test batting core.
Reacting strongly to the development, former India cricketer Yograj Singh – father of World Cup-winning star Yuvraj Singh – has called for both players to reconsider their retirement from the longest format. In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Yograj made an emotional appeal to Rohit and Kohli, urging them to return for the greater good of Indian cricket.
“This is Not the Time to Step Away”
“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli must return from retirement to save Indian Test cricket,” Yograj stated passionately. “This is not the time to think about themselves — it’s about the nation, the fans, and the deep emotions people have for Test cricket.”
Yograj particularly believes that Kohli, aged 36, still has a lot to offer to red-ball cricket. “Virat still has at least ten years of cricket left in him. As for Rohit, if he comes to me, I will personally ensure he returns to peak fitness,” he added.
On the BCCI’s Role and Player Support
Yograj didn’t mince words when speaking about the role of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), suggesting that the board must do more to support players under pressure. “Back in 2011, players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag were dropped without any clear reason. When Yuvraj retired, I scolded him. He was incredibly fit and still had cricket left in him. Cricketers should fight for their place rather than surrender to pressure.”
He added, “The BCCI must act like a parent — protect and support their players, not let ego or politics dictate decisions.”
A Message to Kohli Through Yuvraj
Yograj even revealed that he reached out to his son Yuvraj Singh and urged him to speak with Kohli to reconsider his decision. “I told Yuvi to call Virat and tell him, ‘Don’t make the same mistake I did.’ One day, the frustration of retirement will hit — and by then, it will be too late to change anything.”
Kohli and Rohit’s Test Legacies
Virat Kohli ended his illustrious Test career with 9,230 runs from 123 matches, averaging 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. His highest score in Tests was 254, and he led India in 68 matches, winning 40, drawing 11, and losing just 17 — a win percentage of 58.82%, making him the most successful Test captain in Indian history.
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, made a resounding comeback to Test cricket in 2019 as an opener. He retires with 4,301 runs in 67 matches at an average of 40.57, with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. As captain, he led India in 24 Tests, winning 12 and losing nine.
Final Thoughts
Yograj Singh’s passionate plea reflects the sentiment of countless fans who still believe Rohit and Virat have more to offer in the longest format of the game. With a new WTC cycle underway and a transition phase imminent, it remains to be seen whether India’s iconic duo will reconsider their decision — or leave behind a legacy that younger players must now live up to.
