Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Announce Test Retirement: What Led to Their Decision?

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have officially announced their retirement from Test cricket, leaving fans shocked. Many had hoped for one last attempt at a historic series win against England. The BCCI has clarified that the decision was made independently by the players, dismissing rumors of external pressure. This article delves into the implications of their retirement and the future of Indian cricket as both players remain committed to ODIs. Read on to explore the details surrounding this significant moment in cricket history.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2025, 07:48 IST

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Unexpected Retirement from Test Cricket

The cricketing world was taken aback when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of India's most prominent cricketers, announced their retirement from Test cricket. Fans had hoped that the duo would make one last attempt to secure a historic Test series win against England, a feat India hasn't achieved since 2007. They came close during the 2021–22 tour, but the rearranged fifth Test at Edgbaston ended in disappointment. Despite recent struggles with their batting, their vast experience was seen as crucial for a final effort.

BCCI Responds to Retirement Speculations

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finally addressed the swirling rumors regarding the abrupt retirement of the two players. Rohit Sharma was the first to announce his retirement through a subtle Instagram Story, followed closely by Virat Kohli, who shared a reflective post about his career and indicated it was time to pass the torch.

Were They Pressured to Retire?

Following the announcement, speculation arose suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and the BCCI had pressured them into this decision. However, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla firmly rejected these claims, emphasizing that both players made their own choices and remain committed to representing India in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in the future.

Rajeev Shukla Clarifies the Situation

In a statement made in London, Rajeev Shukla addressed the retirement of Kohli and Sharma, asserting that the BCCI had no role in their decision. He stated, "I want to make it very clear once and for all. We are all feeling the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The decision to retire was made by them independently. It is the policy of BCCI that we never tell any player to retire. It was their call." He further expressed appreciation for their contributions, stating, "We will always consider them legendary batters. It’s great that both are still available for ODIs."