Former India pacer and 2007 T20 World Cup hero Joginder Sharma says Kohli and Rohit still had enough to give in Tests, calls retirements premature.
Diu (Daman and Diu), May 20:
In the wake of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s recent retirements from Test cricket, former India cricketer and 2007 T20 World Cup winner Joginder Sharma has said he believes both batting stalwarts walked away from the format too soon.
Speaking to ANI, Joginder expressed surprise over the timing of their decisions, especially Virat’s, citing the former India captain’s exceptional fitness and performance levels.
“His (Virat’s) fitness and performance don’t indicate that this was the time. I believe he should have played, and even Rohit should have. A bad patch comes for everyone,” Joginder said.
“Legends Leave, But Cricket Must Go On”
Joginder acknowledged that while the departure of both Rohit and Virat leaves a massive void in India’s red-ball setup, he remains confident that Indian cricket will bounce back, thanks to the bench strength and young talent waiting in the wings.
“The bench strength of our country suggests that we will recover the loss. It’s not that a legendary batsman might immediately replace him, but cricket needs to be continued as needed,” he added.
Drawing parallels with Australia, Joginder pointed out that even the most successful teams have weathered the retirement of legends and continued to dominate.
“Even Australia is considered one of the best teams, even after the retirement of great players,” he remarked.
Kohli & Rohit: A Test Era Ends
Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket came as a shock to fans and experts alike. Known for redefining India’s red-ball game with his intensity, discipline and leadership, Kohli ended his 14-year Test career with:
- 9,230 runs
- 30 centuries, 31 half-centuries
- Average of 46.85
- India’s fourth-highest Test run-getter
Rohit Sharma, who had been a pillar at the top of the order in the later half of his Test career, also called it a day, finishing with:
- 4,301 runs
- 12 centuries, 18 fifties
- Average of 40.57 from 67 Tests
Their exits mark a significant generational shift for Indian Test cricket.
Exits Mount in Indian Test Setup
The retirement of the two Test giants comes shortly after veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also stepped away from international cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. These retirements signal a transition period for Team India’s red-ball squad ahead of their crucial England tour.