When Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — two of the greatest modern-day cricketers — announced their sudden retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, just days before the much-hyped Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, Indian cricket was left stunned. Unlike the graceful exits of legends in the past, their departure felt abrupt, almost forced. Rumours began circulating immediately: Was it poor form? Was it a personal choice? Or was there something deeper at play?

Recent revelations, insider reports, and expert opinions suggest that the answer lies not in performance but in internal politics within the BCCI, age-related concerns, and India’s ambitious plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Karsan Ghavri’s Explosive Claim: “They Were Asked to Leave”

Former India cricketer Karsan Ghavri dropped a bombshell when he claimed that Virat and Rohit did not retire voluntarily. Speaking on the Vickey Lalwani Show, Ghavri alleged that “petty politics” and selection-room decisions led by Ajit Agarkar’s panel forced the duo out.

• On Kohli: “He should have definitely continued playing for India for another couple of years. But something forced him to retire. And when he did, he wasn’t even given a farewell by the BCCI. A player who gave so much to Indian cricket deserved a grand farewell.”

• On Rohit: Ghavri was equally scathing, insisting that Rohit’s retirement was also “premature” and not by choice. “They wanted to continue, but the selectors and BCCI had different ideas. It was a matter of some kind of petty politics,” he added.

The lack of a proper farewell has since reignited a national debate: Is Indian cricket failing to honour its legends?

Kohli & Rohit’s ODI Legacy Under Spotlight

While Test retirements shocked the cricketing world, attention quickly turned to their ODI future. Both Kohli and Rohit had already retired from T20Is, leaving fans wondering if the ODI format would be their final stage.

BCCI’s Official Stand

According to PTI journalist Kushan Sarkar, the BCCI is in no hurry to make a final decision. For now, their priority remains the 2026 T20 World Cup, with ODI discussions pushed to the backseat. A board source emphasised: “A call on their ODI careers will only be taken after 2026.”

Their Recent ODI Performances

Ironically, both players were in fine form in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where India lifted the title by beating New Zealand.

• Virat Kohli: 218 runs in 5 innings at an average of 54.50.

• Rohit Sharma: 180 runs, providing crucial starts at the top.

They also played key roles in India’s journey to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, proving that their white-ball skills remain elite despite advancing age.

The Age Question

Yet, the unavoidable reality remains:

• Kohli is 36.

• Rohit is 38, and will be 40 by the 2027 World Cup.

While their class is undeniable, concerns about longevity, fitness, and the need for transition have kept the debate alive.

The Case Against Retiring Both Together

One of the biggest criticisms aimed at the BCCI has been the simultaneous retirement of the duo from Test cricket. Analysts argue that repeating the same mistake in ODIs could derail India’s 2027 World Cup campaign.

Why Rohit’s Retirement Seems More Logical

• Age Factor: At 40 in 2027, relying on Rohit in a high-intensity World Cup is risky.

• Champions Trophy Form: His 180 runs were steady, but not match-defining.

• Leadership Transition: With Shubman Gill already captaining in Tests and serving as ODI vice-captain, the baton needs to be passed sooner rather than later.

• Competition at the Top: Young openers like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are waiting in line but lack opportunities because Rohit still holds the spot.

Why Kohli Must Stay Till 2027

• Fitness Advantage: At 38 in 2027, Kohli’s unmatched fitness allows him to convert singles into doubles — a crucial skill in ODIs.

• No.3 Anchor Role: Unlike the opening slot, there is little competition at No.3. India needs an anchor to build innings, and Kohli remains the best at it.

• Big-Match Player: His record in ICC tournaments and run-chases makes him indispensable.

• Experience Blend: A young side will benefit from Kohli’s presence as a mentor and performer.

BCCI’s Balancing Act: Transition Without Turmoil

The central question now is not whether Kohli and Rohit deserve respect — they unquestionably do — but how BCCI manages the transition. Indian cricket is at a crossroads:

• Push too hard for youth, and you risk losing the stability that legends bring.

• Delay the transition too long, and younger players may stagnate waiting for chances.

The lesson from their Test retirements is clear: don’t force both exits simultaneously. Instead, a staggered transition — where Rohit bows out earlier and Kohli continues till 2027 — could provide the right mix of experience and freshness.

The Last Dance or a Fumbled Exit?

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not just cricketers; they are icons who carried Indian cricket through a golden era. Their statistics speak volumes — Kohli with over 14,000 ODI runs and 51 centuries, Rohit with over 11,000 runs and the record-breaking 264. Yet, their sudden Test retirements highlighted a worrying trend in how Indian cricket handles its greatest servants.

If internal politics truly played a role, as Ghavri alleges, then the BCCI risks not just losing two players but damaging the trust between legends and the system. For fans, the hope remains simple: let Kohli and Rohit get the farewell they deserve and the chance to script one final ODI World Cup chapter — rather than being forced out by politics and planning.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Vygr’s views.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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