![Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP Media]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1754899821092_kohli_rohit.jpg?type=mq)
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP Media]
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two of the biggest names in Indian cricket of modern times. Millions of fans have become fans of the game because of these two players. The current discussion about their ODI retirement and the reaction of the fans actually brings out the impact they have had on the topography of Indian cricket.
The mere mention of the two greats hanging up their boots from the ODI format sends shockwaves through social media. Desperate fans are seen flooding the commentary section with pleas: "Please don't retire", "Play till 2030", "We cannot imagine cricket without you". This is not just admiration, it is something much deeper.
This emotional outpouring reveals a fascinating psychological phenomenon. When sports heroes age, fans are not just forced to lose players; they are forced to confront their own mortality, the passage of time, and the end of an era that probably defined their youth.
The Science of Sports Attachment
There is a term among the sports psychologists called 'parasocial relationships'. This refers to one-sided emotional bonds of fans with their icons or stars. Over 15 years, Rohit and Kohli have not just been cricketers; they have been constant companions of millions of living rooms.
Research conducted by Dr. Daniel Wann shows that fans often relate their self-esteem to the success of the teams or the sports personalities they support. When Kohli scores centuries or Rohit destroys the opposition bowlers, fans feel personally triumphant. Now facing their fade away triggers genuine grief.
Studies suggest that the brain does not distinguish between real and parasocial relationships. Losing an icon or the sports personality you have admired for a long time activates the same neural pathways as losing a friend.
The Effect Of Kohli And Rohit In Indian Cricket
What makes Ro-Ko particularly hard to let go? They represent different facets of the Indian dream. Virat Kohli is an embodiment of relentless ambition and sheer determination. A boy from Delhi who conquered the world through will and non-resting hard work. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma is a perfect example of effortless elegance. A natural talent who made the impossible look routine throughout his career.
Together, Rohit and Kohli have been the backbone of Indian batting since 2013. They have seen the highs and lows together - celebrated World Cup wins, endured heartbreaking defeats and have carried the hopes of a billion fans.
The retirement of Kohli and Rohit does not just end the careers of two cricketers. It brings an end to an era of fans, who probably started watching cricket for these two in their youth and are now entangled in the struggles of everyday life, yet finding a way to watch their favourite cricketer play.
Lessons from Other Legends
One of the retirements that triggered an emotional outpour was that of Sachin Tendulkar in 2013. Fans were unable to digest the fact that the 'God of Cricket' was mortal. His farewell speech left a billion people in tears.
Similar was the reaction when in 2020, a certain Instagram post silently declared - "Consider me retired from 19.29." The departure of one of the greatest finishers, MS Dhoni, a captain with all the ICC trophies, was hard to digest for many.
The Cultural Connection
In India, cricket is not just another sport. It translates to the scale of being a religion. Kohli and Rohit are not just mere sporting icons; they have transcended to the stature of demi-gods. Their success validates national pride, while their potential failure threatens collective identity.
The Indian fans invest heavily in cricket. The sports carry great historical weight - from colonial defiance to being the modern superpower, it is a source of integrity and national pride.
The current involvement of social media amplifies this attachment. Fans feel personally connected to their stars through Instagram posts, Tweets and behind-the-scenes content. This illusion of intimacy makes letting go even harder in modern times.
Fans Need To Learn The Art Of Letting Go
Having said all this, the idea of healthy fandom means the acceptance of the natural cycles. Sportstars' ages, their skills decline, and their departure in turn gives rise to new stars.
Fighting with this reality causes unnecessary suffering. The fans need to understand that beauty lies in evolution. Just as Tendulkar made way for Kohli and Rohit, the next generation is waiting to take up the mantle, to bear the torch. With Gill, Jaiswal and others already showcasing their brilliance at the highest level, it represents fresh possibilities. Kohli and Rohit's legacy won't get diminished by retirement; a graceful exit would bring a wonderful completion.
The greatest gift fans can give their heroes and idols is not demanding them to play forever, but allowing them to leave at their chosen time, with dignity intact and cherished memories.
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.jpg?type=mq "Longest gap between 2 centuries")
