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BCCI Politics, Not Cricket, Ended Virat And Rohit’s Test Careers, Claims Ex-India Star

Akshita Patel

BCCI accused for mistreating Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP Photos]BCCI accused for mistreating Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP Photos]

The sudden retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket in May 2025 has sent alarm bells ringing regarding suspected internal politics within the BCCI. Ex-Indian cricketer Karsan Ghavri has now claimed that both seniors were forced out by the board.

Kohli and Rohit announced their decision to step away from the red-ball format just days before the high-profile Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. 

While many believed that their dip in form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia may have triggered the decision, a fresh revelation has sparked a storm in Indian cricket.

Karsan Ghavri Blames BCCI For Mistreating Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Recently, former India cricketer Karsan Ghavri, talking to Vickey Lalwani on YouTube, sensationally alleged that internal politics within the BCCI forced Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma into premature retirement.

"He [Kohli] should have definitely continued playing for India easily, probably for another couple of years. But something really forced him to retire. And unfortunately, when he retired, he was not even given a farewell by the BCCI. Such players, such a great player who has done such great service to BCCI, India cricket and Indian fans, should be given a grand and fabulous farewell," Ghavri said.

He claimed that both players wanted to continue representing India but were pushed out due to selection room politics. The former all-rounder further claimed that Rohit Sharma’s exit was also not voluntary, blaming the selectors for mishandling two of India’s greatest players.

"It's due to internal politics within the BCCI, which is hard to understand. And I think this is the reason he retired prematurely. Even Rohit Sharma retired prematurely. They were asked to go out. It's not like they wanted to leave. They wanted to continue. But the selectors and BCCI had different ideas. It was a matter of some kind of petty politics," he added.

The controversy has now reignited the debate on how Indian cricket treats its legends. Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest that both players may soon announce their retirement from ODIs, dashing hopes of seeing them in the 2027 World Cup.

BCCI Responds To Rohit, Kohli ODI Retirement Chatter

The future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODI cricket is still shrouded in doubt. Having already retired from T20Is and Tests in the past year, the legendary duo is unlikely to feature in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. 

Reports suggest they may call time on their ODI careers after the upcoming Australia series. While speculation mounts, a BCCI source, talking to PTI, has clarified that the board’s immediate focus is the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup in 2026, not long-term planning. A call on the seniors' ODI careers will only be taken after 2026.