In the middle of IPL 2025’s fast-paced action, when fans were cheering boundaries and sixes, a quiet and emotional chapter of Indian cricket closed. Two legends—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—walked away from Test cricket. Their exits came without a grand farewell match or public ceremony. But behind this silent goodbye was a complex and sensitive story of form, timing, and team management decisions.
Fans didn’t notice the early hints of their Test retirement because all focus was on the IPL. However, questions began to rise once the BCCI started discussions for India’s Test tour of England. Would Virat and Rohit be picked again? What about their recent form? Were they still part of India’s red-ball plans?
No Room for Two Greats in Test Squad
According to inside sources, discussions between Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar led to a tough conclusion—neither senior batter would be part of the Test squad. Their performances in the last few series had been underwhelming. The team management wanted to build a fresh squad for the new World Test Championship cycle, starting with the England tour.
It wasn’t easy to leave out two giants of Indian cricket. Both have carried Indian batting on their shoulders for years. However, recent numbers do not support their selection anymore. The selectors wanted to prepare a new core of players for the next two years.
A Former BCCI Official Took the Lead
Breaking the news to Virat and Rohit was never going to be easy. The Chief Selector and Coach were worried about how to communicate it. A former senior BCCI official, who had worked closely with both players, stepped in to help. He contacted Rohit and Virat and informed them about the selectors’ final decision.
He told them that Indian cricket had decided to advance and give younger players a chance in Tests. This allowed Virat and Rohit to determine how and when they wanted to announce their Test retirement. It was now about legacy and dignity.
Legacy Players, But Poor Recent Form
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are no doubt legends of the game. But their Test numbers in recent years haven’t matched their past glory.
Rohit Sharma’s Test Stats (Last Few Series):
- Against New Zealand: Only 91 runs in 3 matches. One 50+ score.
- Against Australia: Just 10 runs in his final game. Dropped from the last Test.
- IPL 2025: Played as an impact player, not a regular captain.
It was a big sign when Rohit, the Test captain, was left out of the playing XI during the crucial Australia series. His form in red-ball cricket had dipped sharply.
Virat Kohli’s Test Stats (Last Few Series):
- Against Australia: Started with a century in Perth but failed in the following four Tests (only 85 runs).
- Against New Zealand: 93 runs in 3 matches, including just one half-century.
- Overall, in the last 5 years, only 1990 ran, averaging 32 (from 46 earlier).
The selectors believed they could no longer depend on these two batters for consistent performance in tough overseas tours like England. Their Test careers had entered a downslide.
Coach Gambhir’s Comments Added Fuel
In a recent media interaction, Gautam Gambhir was asked whether Rohit and Virat would be selected for the England Tests. He calmly said, “I don’t pick the team. That is the selector’s job.” But he did add one crucial line—“Only current performance matters.”
That was a clear message. The Indian team wanted to move forward based on the current form, not records.
India’s Changing Test Strategy
The decision to leave out Kohli and Sharma marks a clear shift in Indian cricket’s red-ball approach. The new Test cycle is starting, and selectors want to give a two-year runway to new players before the successive World Test Championship final.
India had reached the WTC finals twice—in 2021 and 2023—but failed to win. Now, with a new team, they aim to rebuild and finish the job in the third attempt.
That plan doesn’t include Rohit and Virat, who might not be around two years from now.
No Farewell Match, Only Private Exit
The biggest surprise for fans was how both players retired—quietly, with no official farewell game. Some fans believe they deserved a proper send-off, maybe in front of a home crowd.
However, both players reportedly chose to keep the announcement low-profile. They released short statements through social media, thanking fans and teammates. Many believe the low-key exit was a way to protect their legacy without facing more criticism about their recent form.
Selectors Take a Big Risk
This decision also puts pressure on the selectors and the coach. If the new-look Test team fails in England or the upcoming series, fans and experts will question why two experienced players were suddenly dropped.
However, if the young squad performs well, it will confirm that the right decision was made.
What Happens Next?
Now, eyes are on the next generation—players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad—who are expected to take charge of the Test batting unit.
Rohit and Virat will still be around in limited overs formats. Both are expected to lead India in the upcoming T20 World Cup and might play in the Champions Trophy in 2025 if form allows. Their retirement only applies to tests now.
But the Test era of two of India’s greatest batters is officially over.
