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"Samay Sahi Nahi Hai": Sidhu Pleads Virat Kohli To Rethink Test Retirement

Soumyajit Dutta

Navjot Singh Sidhu and Virat Kohli [Source:@LordshasFallen/X]Navjot Singh Sidhu and Virat Kohli [Source:@LordshasFallen/X]

With India’s high-stakes Test series against England approaching, former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has appealed to Virat Kohli to delay his potential retirement from the format. 

Reports suggest Kohli informed the BCCI about his desire to step away from Tests, but Sidhu argues the timing is unsuitable given India’s need for seasoned leadership during the gruelling five-match tour. 

Sidhu's Heartfelt Appeal To Kohli

Emphasising the England series’ significance, Sidhu highlighted England’s challenging conditions and the void left by Rohit Sharma’s captaincy exit, stressing that an inexperienced squad could falter without Kohli’s expertise.

"Virat Kohli’s decision — that he wants to retire — has created a stir across the cricketing world. Niyat sahi hai, par samay aur jagah sahi nahi hai. (His intention is right, his motive is noble — that 'the old order must change, yielding place to the new.' But the timing and occasion are not appropriate) because the pride and prestige of India are on the line," Sidhu said.

"We are heading into a tour that is the toughest litmus test even for other Test-playing nations. Why do I say that Kohli can be our 'knight in shining armor' in England? Because he has the experience, especially after Rohit Sharma's departure. You can’t send an inexperienced side to England," he added.

Sidhu Cites Gavaskar

Citing Sunil Gavaskar’s resilience during the 1987 World Cup, Sidhu suggested that Kohli should take the position of the captain for the next six to seven months.

"In the 1987 ODI World Cup... Kapil Dev, with a smile on his face, said, 'Sunil Gavaskar at 50 percent is much better than anyone in this world at 100 percent.' The same goes for Virat Kohli." He further urged, "He should be India's stop-gap captain for the next six and seven months and lead India from the front," Sidhu added.

Virat Kohli, India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches, boasts 9,230 Test runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. His potential exit would leave a monumental gap in India’s red-ball setup amid a critical transition phase.