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"Should Have Played England...": India Legend On Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Retirements

Aakash Saini

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x]Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x]

Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar has expressed his surprise over the sudden Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The 1983 World Cup winner has said that he was expecting both Kohli and Sharma to keep playing Tests for Team India, at least until next month’s five-match series in England.

The 69-year-old also heaped praise on both Kohli and Sharma for their contributions towards Indian cricket, and described their retirements a “big loss” for the national team.

Vengsarkar makes big claim on Kohli, Sharma retirements

Dilip Vengsarkar praised Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their contributions towards Indian cricket, but expressed his surprise over their sudden Test retirements. He added that both players should have announced their retirements after India’s all-important five-match tour of England. Vengsarkar said:

“Both are outstanding and great cricketers, and their contribution to Indian cricket is huge. I was surprised because there is an England tour of five Test matches. I thought after the England tour, they might call it a day, but they preferred it before the England tour. Then I think it's their call.”

Dilip Vengsarkar further stated that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have done well for Team India on all England tours, and their absence this time around will be a big loss for the national side. However, he also added that their exits will now give opportunities for younger players to establish themselves on the big scene.

“Both are experienced players, and they have done so well in England on every tour, so it's a big loss. Then, if you see that other players have done well for the India A team, in first-class cricket in India, they will get an opportunity to play and establish themselves in the Indian team.”

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepped away from Tests after undergoing one of the worst phases of their batting careers in the format. The two cricketers also retired from T20Is last year in June, albeit after lifting the 2025 T20 World Cup together.

Nonetheless, India will tour England next month for a five-match Test series. The first Test will be hosted by Headingley in Leeds from June 20 onwards.