Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both announced their Test retirements within just five days of each other, creating a significant gap in India’s batting lineup ahead of the England tour.
Anil Kumble Criticizes BCCI for Poor Handling of Kohli and Rohit’s Test Retirements
Former India cricketer Anil Kumble called out the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for mishandling the Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The two senior batters ended their Test careers within five days, just under two weeks before the selection meeting for the upcoming Test tour of England. Kumble expressed his disappointment, stating that both Kohli and Rohit deserved a proper farewell on the field, which the BCCI failed to facilitate.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Kumble emphasized that both players should have been given the opportunity to say goodbye to Test cricket in front of their fans, acknowledging the current age of social media and how such farewells resonate with audiences. He questioned why the BCCI had not ensured that both players received the recognition they deserved.
Kumble also highlighted the significant gap left in the Indian Test team following the retirements of Kohli and Rohit, particularly with the crucial tour of England on the horizon. He pointed out the challenge India faces in securing a series win in England, a country where they have struggled to claim victories over the past decade.
Rohit and Virat’s Absence, Shubman Gill’s New Leadership Role
In the absence of both, India will not only have a new captain, reportedly set to be Shubman Gill, but will also feature a new-look batting line-up. The tour, which will comprise five Tests and mark the beginning of the 2025/27 World Test Championship cycle, will start on June 20.
