BCCI Vice President Addresses Retirement of Kohli and Sharma

The recent retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket have raised eyebrows, especially with the Indian squad's announcement for the England tour approaching. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has clarified that these decisions were made solely by the players, dispelling rumors of external pressure. The retirements come in the wake of a series of unexpected departures from the team, including veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. As the cricketing world reflects on these changes, the impact on the team's dynamics and future remains a topic of discussion.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2025, 15:19 IST

Clarification on Retirement Decisions

The recent retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket took many by surprise, especially as the Indian team was about to be announced for the upcoming tour to England. Amidst rumors suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may have pressured the players to retire, Rajeev Shukla, the board's Vice President, stepped in to clarify the situation.

In a recent interview, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI does not engage in such practices. He acknowledged the noticeable absence of both players in the England series but reiterated that their decision to retire was entirely personal.

BCCI's Stance on Player Retirements

"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 Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on their own. It is the policy of BCCI that we never tell any player to retire. It was their call."

Shukla's comments were made during an interview on Tuesday, where he sought to dispel any misconceptions regarding the players' retirements.

Unexpected Departures After the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shocked fans by announcing his retirement from international cricket during a press conference after a rain-affected draw at the Gabba. This unexpected news came alongside the retirements of Kohli and Sharma, who had been leading the team in Australia.

Rohit Sharma had previously withdrawn from the Sydney Test, citing a lack of form. He later expressed his desire to continue playing in an interview but ultimately announced his retirement on March 7, coinciding with the selectors' meeting, through an Instagram story.

Kohli's situation mirrored Sharma's, with reports suggesting that the BCCI had urged him to reconsider his retirement decision. Despite claims from his childhood coach that he was eager for the England tour, Kohli also chose to retire.

Reflections on Leadership and Team Spirit

Current Test captain Shubman Gill's recent comments to Zak Crawley during the Lord's match echoed the competitive spirit reminiscent of Kohli's leadership style. Kohli had previously inspired the team with his passionate speeches, such as the famous "unleash hell" talk at Lord's in 2021. However, despite the team's efforts, they faced defeat against England, highlighting the challenges ahead.