Uthappa Questions Rohit and Kohli's Test Retirement Decisions

In a recent discussion, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa expressed his views on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test retirements, suggesting they were premature. He believes both players still have much to contribute, especially with the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. Uthappa also praised their recent performances in ODIs against Australia and South Africa, noting a renewed vigor in their gameplay. With impressive statistics, both players have emerged as top run-scorers for India this year. Uthappa's insights provide a compelling look into the future of these cricketing icons.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 30, 2025, 01:45 IST

Uthappa's Take on Rohit and Kohli's Retirement

Robin Uthappa, a former Indian cricketer, expressed his belief that the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket were not a 'natural exit.' He suggested that both players still had potential left in them, particularly with the upcoming World Test Championship cycle (WTC) spanning from 2025 to 2027. Uthappa mentioned that Sharma might have benefited from taking a six-month break to focus on his fitness, which he believes would have led to improved performance. Following a disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia last year, both players announced their retirement from Test cricket earlier this year. Nevertheless, they participated in the recent Ranji Trophy season, with Kohli representing Delhi and Sharma playing for Mumbai.

Commendation for Recent ODI Performances

Uthappa also commended the duo's recent performances in the ODI series against Australia and South Africa, noting a renewed hunger in their gameplay. He highlighted their impressive statistics during the series, where Rohit scored two remarkable half-centuries, while Kohli achieved two centuries and a half-century. Kohli emerged as the top run-scorer in the series, amassing 302 runs at an average of 151.00 and a strike rate exceeding 117. Rohit contributed significantly as well, with 148 runs in three innings at an average of 48.66. Both players have been the leading run-scorers for India in ODIs this year, with Kohli accumulating 651 runs and Rohit closely following with 650 runs. Uthappa remarked on his recent conversation with Rohit, noting that he appears relaxed and eager to perform, indicating that exciting times may lie ahead for both players.