Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has voiced strong criticism of the BCCI’s handling of Test retirements for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara. He expressed disappointment over the lack of transparent communication, stressing that players of such stature deserved proper farewells.
Kohli and Rohit shocked the cricketing world in May with sudden announcements of their Test retirements. Both were expected to tour England for a five-match Test series, and even complied with the BCCI’s directive to play a Ranji Trophy match after the Australia tour. Yet, in the middle of the IPL, Rohit announced his retirement via an Instagram story, with Kohli following suit just five days later. The abrupt exits of India’s modern greats have sparked speculation about deeper issues and raised concerns about the BCCI’s approach to honoring legends.
Farewell Deserved for Kohli and Rohit
Srikkanth emphasized that players with 100+ Tests under their belt should receive dignified farewells.
“If you play 100 Tests for your country, you must be a terrific cricketer. They should be given a good send-off. I am convinced there was a big communication gap when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired. They should have been spoken to. This is not a good look for Indian cricket,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
Virat Kohli’s Retirement and Legacy
Srikkanth, who has served as BCCI chief selector, noted that Kohli still had at least two years of Test cricket left and deserved a better send-off.
“Virat Kohli’s retirement happened just like that. He still had two years of Test cricket left. But because we drew in England, such talks didn’t happen. India will find it difficult to get a cricketer like Virat Kohli for some time,” he added.
Kohli’s Test career spanned 14 years and 123 matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and seven double centuries. He retired 770 runs short of 10,000, cementing his status as one of India’s greatest Test batters.
Rohit Sharma, who succeeded Kohli as captain in March 2022, finished with 4,301 runs in 67 Tests at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries, guiding India to 12 wins, nine losses, and three draws during his captaincy.
Pujara Also Denied a Farewell
Srikkanth pointed out that Cheteshwar Pujara, despite being out of the team for some time, also did not receive a proper farewell. He stressed the need for cooperation between players, selectors, and the BCCI to ensure that legends get the send-off they deserve.
“Similarly with Pujara, they should have spoken to him about his retirement plans. Of course, the player also has to cooperate. Had that happened, Pujara would have received a better send-off,” Srikkanth added.
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