Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are retiring from their Test cricket careers.
Kohli ends his Test journey with an impressive record: 123 matches, 9,230 runs, an average of 46.85, and 30 centuries, along with 31 half-centuries.
One of the questions fans keep asking is, "Why now?" What’s the reason behind this decision?
There are several factors contributing to Kohli’s retirement. He was very close to crossing the 10,000-run mark, and he had a vision of raising Test cricket to greater heights, which garnered public interest with Kohli’s increasing fan following. The surprise wasn't so much in his retirement itself; rather, that he chose to step away at age 36. Considering that legends like Sunil Gavaskar and M.S. Dhoni retired in their late 30s or early 40s, this move was unexpected. Additionally, Kohli’s discussions with the BCCI played a role, they led to a realization that the Test series might soon pass him by, even though he believed he still had plenty to contribute.
Kohli’s journey began in Delhi, where he first made waves in cricket. He captained India at the Under-19 World Cup in 2007 and made his ODI debut in 2008. Although Rohit Sharma debuted in ODIs before Kohli, it was Kohli who first made an impact on the international stage, especially in World Cup matches.
Rohit Sharma’s story is equally remarkable. His rise started with a bang when he scored 205 runs in the 2006 Under-19 World Cup. Many whispered that he had extra time to master his skills. The following year, Rohit received his India team jersey on June 23, 2007, and made his debut. Despite scoring an ODI before Kohli, Rohit faced struggles until 2013, when he finally secured a regular spot in the Indian team. That same year, playing for the Mumbai Indians, he earned the title of “champion captain,” further cementing his place as India’s primary opener. In 2013, he also scored a double century for India.
If you ask why we entered cricket—to become the best—things look promising. However, in the past 1.5 to 2 years, Rohit’s performance declined, and playing under relentless scrutiny didn’t suit him. This, along with BCCI’s decision to appoint a new captain, likely influenced his retirement. Rohit was highly regarded by cricketing legends for his leadership, which he demonstrated as captain of the Mumbai Indians, helping them win multiple IPL titles, often surpassing teams like RCB.
Sachin Tendulkar publicly expressed his belief that only Rohit and Virat could surpass the 100-century mark, highlighting how much he values their exceptional skills.
Throughout their careers, Rohit and Kohli shared a close bond, working together to secure wins and score runs. Their absence from the Test scene is undoubtedly a loss, but fans are already eagerly awaiting each IPL season to cheer for their favorites.
Their retirement marks the end of an unforgettable chapter, but their legacies will continue to inspire cricket lovers around the world.
- Tanisha Gaurav