Yograj Singh Urges Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Reconsider Test Retirement

Emotional Plea from Yograj Singh

Yograj Singh, a former Indian cricketer, has made a heartfelt appeal to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, urging them to rethink their recent decisions to retire from Test cricket. The 67-year-old believes that stepping away from the red-ball format at this juncture is detrimental to Indian cricket, especially with a challenging five-match Test series against England set to commence on June 20.

Having mentored players like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and his son Yuvraj Singh, Yograj emphasized that both Kohli and Rohit still possess invaluable experience that cannot be easily replaced.

He stated, “This is not the time to focus on personal interests. It’s about the nation, the fans, and the emotional ties people have with Test cricket.” Yograj further noted that Kohli has at least a decade of cricket left in him and expressed his willingness to help Rohit regain peak fitness if he sought assistance.

The absence of these two seasoned batsmen will be felt significantly during the England tour, as Yograj highlighted the importance of their leadership and skill, particularly in unfamiliar conditions.

Yograj also criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not adequately supporting players during challenging phases in their careers. He recalled the premature retirements of stars like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag.

Reflecting on past experiences, he mentioned, “In 2011, players were left without guidance or communication. I advised Yuvraj against retiring under pressure, as he was in excellent form and still had much to contribute.”

He urged the BCCI to adopt a parental role, providing protection and support to players while avoiding ego and political influences in decision-making.

In a personal note, Yograj revealed that he encouraged Yuvraj to reach out to Kohli, urging him to reconsider his retirement decision. He advised Yuvraj to tell Kohli, ‘Don’t make the same mistake I did.’ Yograj expressed concern that they might look back in regret in the future, but it could be too late by then.

Kohli concluded his illustrious Test career with 9,230 runs from 123 matches, averaging 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. In contrast, Rohit finished with 4,301 runs from 67 Tests, achieving 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries at an average of 40.57.

Yograj's appeal underscores the deep passion that Indian cricket fans and veterans have for Test cricket, hoping that legends like Rohit and Kohli might still have one more chapter to write in their Test careers.