BCCI Faces Tough Call on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Retirement Decision
India’s stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, felt disappointed by the recent Test series against Australia. This led to intense speculation about their futures in Test cricket.
Despite a good start with a century in the first Test, Virat Kohli ended the series with just 190 runs at an average of 23.75 in eight innings. Once again, his struggles with off-stump deliveries drew criticism from fans and experts.
For Rohit Sharma, the series was even worse. The Indian skipper scored only 31 runs in three matches. So, he chose to sit out the final Test in Sydney. This led to questions about his form and readiness for high-stakes cricket.
Star Status Makes Retirement Decisions Difficult for BCCI
A Dainik Jagran report says there is retirement chatter about two Indian stalwarts. However, neither Kohli nor Rohit will likely quit Test cricket voluntarily. This leaves the BCCI and selectors to decide their futures.
The report noted a BCCI discontent with India’s performance in the series. This is crucial as the team is in a transition to a new phase. However, it is seen as politically sensitive to retire two of India’s biggest cricketing icons. They have immense fan followings.
“The officials of the team are also unhappy with the defeat. The team going through a difficult phase of change will now have to do a lot of introspection after returning home. When asked about this, the top BCCI official said I was listening to Gavaskar and Irfan after the match. When asked about Virat and Rohit, he said there are no indications that these two will retire from Tests on their own. BCCI cannot even ask them to retire, but something will have to be done for the team’s betterment. Certainly, when the time comes, the selectors will take the right decision,” read the report.
Discussions on Kohli’s Batting Woes
The report revealed behind-the-scenes talks involving incoming BCCI officials. They include Devajit Saikia, who will replace Jay Shah as BCCI secretary. Also, Prabhtej Bhatia is a candidate for treasurer.
The two reportedly discussed Kohli’s ongoing struggles with his technique.“One official said that he has been out like this in the last six innings, while the other corrected him and said that this may have happened eight times,” the report stated, underlining the consistency of his vulnerability against deliveries outside the off-stump.
What Lies Ahead for Rohit and Kohli?
India’s poor tour of Australia has led to calls for a team review. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and other big tournaments are ahead. So, the Indian cricket management has a tough job. They must nurture new talent and manage the transition of seniors like Kohli and Rohit.
The BCCI’s next steps could shape Indian cricket’s future. It is in a critical rebuilding phase. For now, all eyes are on the selectors and their decisions in the coming months.