Virat Kohli’s retirement mentioned as he receives strict order to ‘Stop senseless on-field antics’

Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell criticized Virat Kohli for his on-field gestures, including an incident with Sam Konstas during the MCG Test in the BGT 2024-25. Ian Chappell urged Virat Kohli to stop his "senseless antics" and focus on improving his consistency ahead of India's tour to England later this year.

Virat Kohli has come under heavy criticism following his poor performances during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where India suffered a 1-3 loss. The loss in the fifth Test in Sydney also dashed India's hopes of reaching the ICC World Test Championship final for the third time, with Australia securing the spot.

Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma Have Come Under Heavy Criticism After the BGT Disaster

The former Indian captain made shoulder contact with Aussie opener Sam Konstas in the Melbourne Test. Kohli scored an unbeaten 100 in Perth, with the rest of his innings totaling just 90 runs without a half-century. However, the right-handed batter might be given more opportunities, given his experience.

Rohit Sharma had a dismal performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20. He opted out of the fifth Test, with vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah stepping in as captain. Rohit reacted to speculation about his retirement, saying he wasn't going away anytime soon.

Virat Kohli's Experience in the UK Would Be Invaluable - Ian Chappell

India is set to begin a new phase in the World Test Championship cycle with a five-match tour to England in July. Ian Chappell, in his ESPN Cricinfo column, highlighted that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement would create a substantial void for India's tough upcoming Test tour of England.

“Kohli’s experience in the UK would be invaluable, and of the two problematic players he’s the most likely to be resuscitated,” Chappell wrote on his column in ESPNcricinfo.

"However, his consistency needs to improve in addition to dispensing valuable advice to younger players. He also has to stop his senseless antics like shouldering Sam Konstas in the MCG Test. If Kohli does decide to retire from Test cricket, the loss of both him and Rohit would leave a huge gap in the line-up for a tough tour," he added.

India Extremely Reluctant to Part with Star Players - Ian Chappell

Ian Chappell expressed uncertainty about Rohit Sharma's future in Test cricket, following his poor performance in the Australia series. Chappell said that Rohit is a question mark for the upcoming five-match series, citing his technical struggles.

“For India the two big question marks are leading batters, and the selectors have tough decisions to make regarding Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli."

"The soon-to-be-38-year-old Rohit, facing a crammed five-Test series against England in a few months, is a doubtful quantity. Although India are extremely reluctant to part with star players, lately Rohit has struggled technically and his absence would provide uncertainty over the opening position and the captaincy,” added Chappell.

Also read: Sarfaraz Khan ruled out of cricket after suffering injury during BGT