India recently wrapped up a hard-fought 2-2 Test series against England, but the big talking point wasn’t just the result—it was the absence of two modern-day legends, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who chose to retire from Test cricket just before the start of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Ajit Agarkar Reflects on Kohli and Rohit’s Test Retirement
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has addressed the timing of their retirement and its impact on the team during the England series. Speaking to NDTV, Agarkar acknowledged that while India would have benefited from the experience of Kohli and Rohit, the team still put up an impressive fight under the leadership of a young Shubman Gill.
“Both of them have been stalwarts of Indian cricket,” Agarkar said. “They approached us and felt it was time to step away from Tests, especially with the start of a new WTC cycle. Whatever people might think, that is the reality. They may not have committed to another two years as Test players.”
Agarkar admitted that having senior players in a tough overseas series would have been ideal: “England was a series where we would have loved some experience, yes, frankly. Performance was incredible, even though we didn’t win. Under a young captain, which was always going to be difficult, but we would have liked some experience.”
Did Selectors Try to Convince Them to Stay?
On whether the selectors tried to talk Kohli and Rohit out of retirement for one last Test series, Agarkar remained diplomatic. “Whether we tried to talk them into playing, I’ll keep it to myself,” he said, choosing not to confirm or deny any such discussion.
Despite the stalemated series, India unearthed new talent and showed character in English conditions, something Agarkar believes bodes well for the future. The selectors may have missed the experience, but they are not too disappointed with the outcome.
India now shifts focus to white-ball cricket, with a three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19 (Sunday). This series will also mark the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to international cricket, their first appearance since March.
