Just weeks before India’s crucial Test tour of England, the retirement announcements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket—within five days of each other—have triggered public backlash and questions about the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Cricket legend Anil Kumble slammed the BCCI for failing to manage the exits of two of India’s greatest modern-era batters, saying they were denied a deserved farewell on the field.
“Both Rohit and Kohli should have had a proper send-off. The BCCI owes an explanation to fans and to these players,” Kumble told ESPNcricinfo.
“In this age of social media, even more reason to give legends a fitting goodbye.”
The sudden exits have left a massive void in India’s Test batting line-up, with England—where India hasn’t won a Test series since 2007—set to host the five-match series beginning June 20, kicking off the 2025–27 WTC cycle.
With Shubman Gill tipped to take over Test captaincy, India will also feature a new-look top order, raising concerns over experience and stability.
Kumble hinted the move may have blindsided selectors, who were likely counting on at least one senior player to stay on.
“You needed one of them to guide the transition. It’s going to be a tough tour.”
The BCCI has yet to formally comment on the retirements or provide clarity on whether farewell matches were offered—or declined.
