Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test Retirements: Insights and Reactions

The retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket have sparked extensive discussions among fans and experts. As both players stepped away from the longest format nearly a year ago, their decisions have been scrutinized, particularly regarding the timing and potential influences from team management. Ravichandran Ashwin has hinted at Gautam Gambhir's role in these retirements, while also reflecting on his own unexpected exit from international cricket. This article delves into their legacies, the reactions to their retirements, and what lies ahead for these cricketing icons.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 18, 2026, 16:50 IST

Retirement of Indian Cricket Legends

The retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket have been a topic of ongoing discussion, nearly a year after they stepped away from the longest format. Both players announced their departures just five days apart, just before the announcement of India's squad for the five-match Test series against England scheduled for May.

Social Media Reactions

The announcement of these former Indian captains retiring from Test cricket ignited a flurry of conversations on social media. Fans and analysts alike questioned the timing of their decisions. Rohit Sharma's retirement followed his removal as Test captain after a disappointing series against New Zealand in November 2025 and a loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in January of the previous year.

In contrast, Virat Kohli concluded his remarkable Test career after a lackluster series against Australia, where he managed only 190 runs, including a solitary century, averaging 23.75 across nine innings. This dip in form further fueled discussions regarding the timing of his retirement.

Ashwin's Comments on Gambhir's Influence

The unexpected retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli raised eyebrows among fans and experts, leading to speculation about whether their decisions were personal or influenced by the team's long-term strategy under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ten months later, Ravichandran Ashwin hinted that Gambhir might have played a role in encouraging senior players to retire from Test cricket.

During an event hosted by RevSportz, Ashwin remarked that Gambhir was fulfilling his responsibilities as head coach, suggesting that he might have believed it was time for senior players like himself, Kohli, and Rohit to step aside for the team's future.

Ashwin Reflects on His Own Retirement

Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement from international cricket also surprised many, as he chose to end his career midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He expressed confidence in his decision, stating that he felt it was time to allow others to take their place in the team.

Ashwin emphasized the importance of making decisions on his own terms, acknowledging that he sensed the team was moving in a different direction. He stated, "One of my strongest assets is my ability to make decisions. Whether it's right or wrong is for people to debate, but at the end of the day, it's my life."

Ashwin's Legacy

Ravichandran Ashwin retired as India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, with 537 wickets, and accumulated 3,503 runs, including six centuries. He is also the second-leading wicket-taker for India across all formats, with a total of 765 wickets.

Reflecting on his retirement, Ashwin acknowledged the challenge of shedding ego, noting that the adulation cricketers receive can create a false sense of invincibility. He stated, "I have always wanted to shed ego as the first thing in my life, and I'm still in the process of shedding ego."

Future Endeavors

After retiring from international cricket, Ashwin also concluded his IPL career with the Chennai Super Kings. This retirement frees him from the BCCI's restrictions on participating in overseas T20 leagues. He signed with Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash League 2024/25 season but had to withdraw due to a knee injury that required surgery.