Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Announce Test Retirement, Leaving a Major Gap in Indian Cricket

Retirement Shakes the Cricketing World

On May 7, 2025, Rohit Sharma declared his retirement from Test cricket, followed by Virat Kohli's unexpected announcement just five days later on May 12, 2025. The simultaneous retirements of these two cricketing icons have created a significant void in the sport. At the time of their retirements, Rohit was 38 years old, while Kohli was 36. Their decisions came as a surprise to many, especially since Kohli was regarded as one of the fittest players in the Indian squad, capable of meeting the rigorous demands of Test cricket.

Insight from Former Coach

In an interview, former Indian bowling coach Paras Mhambrey shared insights with a media outlet, suggesting that both players recognized they could not sustain their careers in Test cricket for another five years. He stated, "Virat didn’t have five years of Test cricket left in him. Their individual struggles must have led them to realize that it was time to step away."

Motivation Factors in Retirement

Mhambrey further elaborated on the motivations behind their retirements, noting, "They often reflect on their contributions, and sometimes it comes down to motivation. Perhaps they felt less inclined to continue in this format, realizing they couldn't give their best. Their decision reflects a selfless approach to the game."

Focus Shifts to ODIs

Both Kohli and Sharma will now concentrate on One Day Internationals (ODIs), with aspirations to participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kohli expressed, "If I’m not fully committed, I’d prefer to focus on the format where I can be more beneficial to the team."