Top BCCI official clarifies on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's retirement

Dubai: There has been considerable speculation ever since Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli suddenly announced their retirement from Test cricket two months ago. The announcement caught fans and experts off guard, especially as it came just before India’s crucial five-match Test series against England.

Amid the swirling rumours, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla addressed the situation, making it clear that the board had no role in influencing the duo’s decision.

“I want to make it absolutely clear. We all feel the absence of Rohit and Virat, but the decision to retire was entirely theirs. The BCCI has a clear policy — we do not tell players when to retire or from which format. This was their personal choice. We respect that and will always consider them great batters. Thankfully, they are still available for ODIs,” Shukla told ANI.

Their abrupt exits from the longest format in May, just days before the squad announcement for the England series, triggered widespread speculation. Some suggested that the retirements were influenced by the BCCI as part of a shift towards a younger Test squad. This theory gained traction following India’s disappointing 2024–25 Test season, where the team lost a home series to New Zealand, was whitewashed 3-0, and then lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia after a decade.

Rohit and Virat had already stepped away from T20Is after India’s victorious T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. With their Test retirements now official, both players will represent India only in the 50-over format.

Rohit Sharma was the first to step down from Test cricket. The 38-year-old, who has played 67 Test matches, scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57. Virat Kohli followed shortly after, announcing his retirement via a heartfelt social media post. Over the course of 123 Tests, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

It remains uncertain when the legendary duo will next take the field. India’s tour of Bangladesh was recently cancelled, and although there are talks of a potential tour to Sri Lanka in August—featuring three ODIs and three T20Is—no official confirmation has been made.

As of now, India is scheduled to play their next confirmed ODI on October 19 against Australia.