'India will recover...': Joginder Sharma’s explosive take on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's Test retirement
Published - 20 May 2025, 04:46 PM | Updated - 20 May 2025, 05:47 PM
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The 2007 T20 World Cup hero Joginder Sharma has sparked a fresh debate with his sensational take on the retirement of two of India's biggest icons, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, from Test cricket. Just weeks before India’s big Test series against England, Rohit Sharma stepped away from Test cricket, followed by Virat Kohli, with the duo announcing their retirement with emotional posts on social media.
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket left the cricket world shocked, and Joginder admitted that the timing wasn't right, given the former Indian skipper’s top-notch fitness and form. The former cricketer also felt Rohit could contribute to red-ball cricket for a couple of years.
Joginder Sharma questions the timing of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Test retirements
Joginder further stressed that their story in whites wasn't quite over, saying every player goes through tough phases, but that doesn’t mean their journey should end in such a way.
While many felt icons like Kohli and Rohit don’t come very often and the dent caused by their retirement won't heal easily, Joginder said that the nation will recover the loss, thanks to its good bench strength.
The former World Cup winner further went on to compare India’s current situation to Australia, saying that even after their “greats” retired, the Kangaroos remained strong and were still one of the toughest teams. He believes India will also embrace the new era, but it will take time and patience.
We will recover the loss: Joginder Sharma
Joginder Sharma was quoted as saying by ANI, “Virat Kohli’s fitness and performance don't indicate that this was the time. I believe he should have played, and even Rohit should have. A bad patch comes for everyone.
"The bench strength of our country suggests that we will recover the loss. It's not that a legendary batsman might come or replace him, but cricket needs to be continued as needed. Even Australia is considered one of the best teams, even after the retirement of great players.”
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Ravi Shastri declares Virat Kohli the Decade’s Most Influential Cricketer
Meanwhile, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has called Virat Kohli the 'most influential cricketer of the last decade.' Praising Kohli’s unmatched influence, Shastri said that the former Indian captain has inspired fans across the globe not just with his batting skills but also with the way he carried himself on the field.
The former Indian coach also noted that Virat’s passion and energy brought life to Test cricket and attracted huge crowds wherever he played in whites. Shastri feels Indian cricket will miss Kohli’s infectious presence, both in the dressing room and on the field.
India will forever miss his wild celebrations: Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri was quoted as saying by Star Sports, “For me, Virat will remain the most influential cricketer of the last decade. He had fans worldwide, especially those who turned up at Test matches to watch him bat like no one else. A batsman who could hit a boundary at will and someone who would pick the best bowler in the opposition camp to send a strong message.”
Shastri further added, “Undoubtedly the most scrutinized batsman in world cricket, he was also the best prepared to fight in the middle. His making people watch Test cricket will be an enduring legacy. The team will forever miss his wild celebrations at the fall of a wicket and the joy he expressed at a partner's batting feat.”
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