"I was surprised because...": India great expresses shock over Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's Test retirement

Former Indian captain Dilip Vengsarkar has shared his thoughts on the sudden retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket just weeks before the highly anticipated England tour. Vengsarkar revealed that he was surprised by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s decision.

The former Indian chief selector thought both Virat and Rohit would call time on their Test careers after the upcoming five-match Test series in England, starting June 20, but they decided to retire before the tour, and the latter refused to make any comment on their call.

Dilip Vengsarkar surprised by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s sudden Test retirement before England tour

Their decision comes just before the start of the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, leaving India without two of its most experienced batters. Kohli finished his Test journey with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, while Rohit finished with 4,301 runs in 67 matches in the format.

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Dilip Vengsarkar was quoted as saying by the Times of India, “Both are outstanding and great cricketers, and their contribution to Indian cricket is huge. I was surprised because there is an England tour of five Test matches. I thought after the England tour, they might call it a day, but they preferred it before the England tour. Then I think it's their call.”

Vengsarkar admitted that India will miss Virat Kohli and Rohit in the upcoming Test series, especially considering their solid performances in England over the years. However, the former Indian batter also pointed out that the duo’s retirement has opened the door for players from the India A squad and domestic circuit to step up and prove themselves at the highest level.

It is tough to replace Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Dilip Vengsarkar

He added, “Both are experienced players, and they have done so well in England on every tour, so it's a big loss. Then, if you see that other players have done well for the India A team in first-class cricket in India, they will get an opportunity to play and establish themselves in the Indian team.”

With Rohit Sharma stepping down, India now needs a new captain for the upcoming five-Test series in England, and Dilip Vengsarkar refused to single out a name for his successor. He pointed out that the national selectors are closely watching domestic tournaments, and the final call on who will step in for the two legends and be the next Test captain will rest with them.

Vengsarkar further noted, “It is difficult to say who will replace them because it is up to Ajit Agarkar and Co., as they are selectors. They are observing FC matches (Irani Cup, Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy), and I think it's all up to them (selectors).”

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Dilip Vengsarkar hails Shreyas Iyer

The former Indian captain also hailed Shreyas Iyer for his brilliant performance both as captain and player in the IPL 2025. Iyer has so far scored 435 runs in IPL 2025. He led Punjab Kings to their first playoffs in 11 years and became the first captain to take three franchises—Delhi (2020), KKR (2024), and Punjab (2025)—to the IPL playoffs.

Vengsarkar believes that Iyer is a strong option to replace Virat Kohli in T20Is and Tests. He signed off by saying, “He is a good player, there is no question about it, and he's done very well over the years; he is an experienced player.”