Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are reportedly considering retirement from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming England tour in mid-2025.
This news follows the recent retirement of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his decision to step away from international cricket after the third Test against Australia, leaving fans and analysts speculating about a potential wave of retirements among senior players.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement has been described as a pivotal moment that may signal the beginning of a significant transition phase for the Indian team.
Ashwin, who concluded his illustrious career with 537 Test wickets, expressed that if he was no longer needed by the team, it was better for him to say goodbye.
His announcement has raised questions regarding the futures of other senior players, particularly Kohli and Rohit, who have been integral to India’s success over the past decade.
Reports suggest that Kohli, who has had a storied career with numerous records to his name, is contemplating retirement as he looks to focus on his family life.
Kohli’s childhood coach confirmed that he plans to move to London with his wife Anushka Sharma and their children, which could further indicate a shift away from international cricket.
Kohli’s recent performances have also been under scrutiny, with mixed results in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, leading to speculation about his future in the longest format of the game.
Rohit Sharma, who has captained India through various challenges, is also expected to announce his retirement soon.
His leadership during key series has been commendable, but like Kohli, he faces pressure following India’s disappointing performance against New Zealand earlier this year. The loss raised doubts about the team’s prospects in future tournaments, including the World Test Championship.
The potential retirements of Kohli and Rohit would mark the end of an era for Indian cricket, reminiscent of past transitions when legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid stepped away from the game.
As these senior players consider their futures, it opens up opportunities for younger talents to emerge and reshape the Indian cricket landscape.
With the England tour on the horizon, fans and experts alike are keenly watching how this transition unfolds.
The Indian cricket team is poised for significant changes that could redefine its identity in the coming years as it prepares for new challenges on the international stage.
