Sidhu questions timing of Kohli’s intention to retire from Test cricket

Former India batter Navjot Singh Sidhu questioned the timing of Virat Kohli’s intention to retire from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series in England, starting June 20.

According to sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the 36-year-old stalwart recently communicated his intention to step away from the longest format of the game.

However, the BCCI has not given up. Sources within the board say they are trying to convince Kohli to continue, especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle beginning with the England tour.

“Virat Kohli’s decision that he wants to retire has created a stir across the cricketing world. His intention is right, his motive is noble — that ‘the old order must change, yielding place to the new’,” Sidhu said in a video posted on his X account.

“But the timing and occasion are not appropriate, because the pride and prestige of India are on the line. We are heading into a tour that is the toughest litmus test even for other Test-playing nations,” he added.

The veteran termed Kohli India’s “knight in shining armour in England”, adding that his absence will leave Men in Blue without much experience with Rohit Sharma already stepping away from Test cricket.

“Why do I say Kohli can be our knight in shining armour in England? Because he has the experience, especially after Rohit Sharma’s departure. You can’t send an inexperienced side to England,” Sidhu added.

As per the Times of India, Kohli was requested to re-evaluate his stance on quitting the Test format, especially after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from red-ball cricket, but he isn’t ready to budge.

Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has represented India in 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. He also led India in 68 Tests, making him the country’s most successful captain in the format. His intensity, fitness, and leadership transformed India into a dominant Test side both at home and overseas.

Kohli’s continuity in the format was questioned after his miserable outing in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, many reckoned that the forthcoming tour of England will be the real Test of the 36-year-old superstar’s future in red-ball cricket, a format he loves the most. But a lot seems to have changed over the last 10 days or so.

With Rohit’s exit confirmed and Kohli on the brink, another Indian veteran’s place in the longest format is under scrutiny. As per the paper, Mohammed Shami’s place in India’s Test side is under doubt.

“As of now, Shami isn’t an automatic pick. It’s been months since he has come back to international cricket but he has barely been in rhythm.

While IPL performances are not usually considered while picking India teams, Shami is struggling to finish his run-up and the ball is not carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury after the 2023 ODI World Cup. He invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery,” BCCI sources said.

The selectors are set to endure a hard time picking the team for the England tour if Kohli’s decision remains unaltered.

Agencies