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Dilip Vengsarkar was surprised by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Tests ahead of the important tour of England.
Virat Kohli (left) and Rohit Sharma (AFP Photo)
Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar voiced his surprise at the retirements of batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, noting that he had anticipated they might retire after the upcoming England tour, which is set to begin on 20 June.
Both Rohit and Kohli retired from Test cricket earlier this month but will continue their ODI careers. Their departure has left a significant gap in the Indian Test team as the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle starts with the crucial England tour.
“Both have been outstanding and great cricketers, and their contribution to Indian cricket is immense. I was surprised because there is an England tour of five Test matches. I thought they might retire after the England tour, but they chose to do so before it. It’s their decision,” Vengsarkar told IANS.
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Kohli ended his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an impressive average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Rohit concluded his red-ball career with 4,301 runs in 67 matches, featuring 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, at an average of 40.57.
In June 2024, Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from T20Is after India won the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa.
“Both are experienced players who have performed well in England on every tour, so it’s a big loss. However, other players who have excelled in the India A team and first-class cricket in India will now have the opportunity to play and establish themselves in the Indian team,” he added.
Rohit’s retirement means a new skipper will lead the Indian team during the five-match Test series in England starting on 20 June.
When asked about who might fill the void left by Rohit and Kohli’s departure from Indian Test cricket, Vengsarkar said, “It is difficult to say who will replace them because it is up to the selectors (Ajit Agarkar and his team). They are observing first-class matches (Irani Cup, Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy), and it is their decision.”
Vengsarkar also praised Shreyas Iyer for his current form. Iyer had a successful run with the bat at the Champions Trophy 2025 in March, scoring 243 runs in five games at an average of 48.60. He continued his fine form into the IPL 2025, leading his team (Punjab Kings) to the play-offs for the first time in 11 years.
In the process, Iyer became the first captain to lead three different franchises into the IPL play-offs (Delhi Capitals in 2020 and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024). Iyer’s run tally in the IPL 2025 currently stands at 435, including two half-centuries.
“He is a good player, there is no question about it, and he has performed very well over the years. He is an experienced player,” said Vengsarkar when asked if Iyer’s current form could help fill the void left by Kohli’s retirement from the T20I and Test formats.
(With inputs from IANS)
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