The Indian cricket fraternity was left in a state of surprise as two of its modern-day greats, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, announced their retirement from Test cricket within a span of just four days. The sudden decisions have triggered a wave of reactions from fans, pundits, and former cricketers alike. Among the notable voices is that of former India cricketer Yograj Singh, who believes both stalwarts still have a lot to offer to the game.
Yograj Singh Shares Emotional Reaction
Yograj Singh, a former Indian cricketer and father of World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, shared his candid views following the announcement of Kohli and Rohit’s retirement from the red-ball format. Known for his passionate and outspoken nature, Yograj expressed both surprise and disappointment at the timing of these retirements.
“I believe Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still have a lot of cricket left in them. It’s too early for them to step away from Test cricket,” Yograj said in an interview with ANI. He went on to describe Kohli as a “big player” and stressed that his absence will be felt deeply in the Indian Test setup moving forward.
Timeline of Test Retirements
Rohit Sharma was the first to break the news, announcing his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025. Known for his calm demeanor and strong leadership, Rohit led India in some of the most memorable Test matches over the past few years, including a dominant run at home.
Just four days later, on May 11, Virat Kohli followed suit by sharing an emotional note on Instagram, declaring his decision to step away from the longest format of the game. Kohli, who once redefined India’s aggressive and fearless Test culture, cited personal reflection as a key reason behind the move, just ahead of India’s challenging tour to England.
“A Major Loss for Indian Cricket”
According to Yograj Singh, the departure of players like Kohli from the Test format is a significant loss for the country. “Virat is a big-match player, a warrior on the field. His dedication and energy are unmatched. His absence will definitely hurt India’s chances in tough overseas tours,” Yograj commented.
He drew parallels with the period after India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, pointing out that when several senior players were either dropped, retired, or indirectly forced out, the team struggled to maintain its balance and dominance. “When players like Dravid, Laxman, and others moved on, we saw how the team took time to stabilize. The same could happen now if experience isn’t preserved,” he warned.
“Retirement Should Come Only When the Body Gives Up”
Yograj Singh also touched upon a philosophy he has long held regarding retirement. “A player should only consider retiring when he feels physically incapable of competing. One should leave the field only when they can no longer walk,” he stated firmly.
He revealed that he had once advised his own son, Yuvraj Singh, against retiring prematurely. “I told Yuvi it was not the right time when he announced his retirement. He still had more to give to the game. The same goes for Virat and Rohit.”
On the Risk of Relying Entirely on Youth
While appreciating the importance of grooming young talent, Yograj warned against creating a team composed entirely of inexperienced players. “If you build a team of only youngsters without a few experienced heads to guide them, it will not hold together. A team needs a spine – and that’s what players like Virat and Rohit provide.”
Yograj believes that the current generation of young Indian cricketers has immense potential, but without seasoned mentors on the field, they could find it difficult to handle high-pressure situations. “Cricket is not just about fitness and technique – it’s also about temperament. That’s where experience plays a crucial role,” he added.
“Rohit Needs Daily Motivation”
Turning his focus to Rohit Sharma, Yograj Singh offered a more personal insight. “Rohit is someone who needs constant motivation at this point in his career. When pushed, he delivers brilliantly. Maybe the right mentorship or support system wasn’t in place to keep him going.”
He emphasized that captaincy and expectations may have weighed heavily on Rohit, possibly contributing to his decision to step away from Tests. “It’s possible Rohit felt fatigued mentally more than physically. That can happen with leadership responsibilities,” Yograj reflected.
A Call for Better Transition Planning
Yograj Singh’s heartfelt remarks underline a larger issue – the importance of transition planning in Indian cricket. The sudden exits of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Tests raise concerns about whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has a clear succession strategy.
While new talent continues to emerge from the domestic circuit, the presence of veterans in the dressing room remains vital for shaping a balanced team culture. As India prepares for future challenges, especially in overseas conditions, the experience and wisdom of players like Kohli and Rohit will be sorely missed.
For now, fans can only hope that these legends will continue to contribute in other formats of the game – and perhaps, someday, reconsider their decisions in the light of national interest.