Yograj Singh Critiques Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test Retirements
Yograj Singh's Perspective on Test Retirements
Yograj Singh, a former fast bowler for India, expressed his belief that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could have continued playing Test cricket for an additional five years. Rohit announced his retirement from Test matches on May 7, while Kohli followed suit on May 12.
Following the departures of these two cricket icons, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new captain of the Indian Test team. At just 25 years old, he becomes the fifth-youngest captain in India's Test history, set to lead the team in a challenging five-match series against England, which kicks off on June 20.
Yograj suggested that both Rohit and Kohli may have acted prematurely in their retirements, indicating they could have waited to pass the leadership to Shubman. He also shared advice he had given to Rohit about maintaining fitness by waking up early and jogging 20 kilometers.
Yograj's Comments to Insidesport
"Virat and Rohit shouldn’t have retired from Tests. I advised Rohit to wake up at 5 AM and run 20 km to stay fit. Both can still contribute to Test cricket for another five years. They should have remained to ensure the transition to younger players. Instead, the baton has been thrown to Gill,"
Yograj Singh also mentioned his efforts to persuade his son, Yuvraj Singh, against retiring from international cricket in 2019, promising that he would help him become the captain of the Indian team.
"Even when Yuvraj was retiring, I assured him that I would support him in becoming India’s captain and that we would replace everyone, but he chose to retire," Yograj remarked.
Meanwhile, a relatively young and inexperienced Indian squad is preparing to face England in the upcoming five-match Test series, with the first match taking place at Headingley, Leeds. Shubman Gill, now India's 37th Test captain, will be supported by the fiery wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as his vice-captain. Together, they will need to guide their teammates to perform at their best during the series in the UK.