Rohit Sharma retired from Tests on May 7 and Virat Kohli did the same on May 12.
Within a few days in May, two of the giants of the Indian modern batting lineup, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, announced their retirements from Test cricket. Both announcements came ahead of India’s all-important five-Test tour of England that begins on June 20.
And now Anil Kumble, former India captain and coach, believes the two senior batters deserved a proper on-field farewell. Rohit Sharma retired from Tests on May 7, and Virat Kohli followed suit on May 12.
Kohli played 123 matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma played 67 Tests, scoring 4301 runs with 12 centuries and 18 fifties with an average of 40.57.
Anil Kumble was "hugely surprised" by the "quiet" Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli prior to the England visit.
"It is a huge surprise. Two outstanding, great players are retiring in the next a few days. I didn't see it coming. It has certainly caught me off guard. I thought he had a few more years left in him, especially at the Test level. He's playing only the ODI format now. No player leaves with any regret, and I am sure he would have thought through this, and ultimately it is the player's call,” Kumble said on Kohli on ESPNCricinfo.
Kumble, who is India’s leading wicket-taker in Tests with 619 wickets and ODIs with 337 scalps, said players of such stature should have been allowed to bow out in front of fans.
"It is a very quiet exit. Every player deserves to leave on his terms, but I think on the field. We spoke about this when R. Ashwin retired as well, right in the middle of the series, he announced his retirement and came back (to India from Australia).
Right now, Rohit Sharma, a few days ago and then Virat Kohli. I think all three of them deserved a proper send-off on the field. I strongly believe people who matter need to address that. I know it is a social media age. Yes, the fans want to be there; there would have been plenty of fans and a roaring send-off,” he added.
India is scheduled to tour England for a five-match Test series starting June 20. Kumble said Kohli could have played a crucial role during the challenging assignment.
"Rohit has retired; he had been captain for a while, and Virat is probably the most accomplished captain for India, and you would have wanted one of the guys to be around. England is going to be tough; it is a five-Test... I think it must have come as a surprise to the selectors as well. I'm sure the selectors would have looked to pursue him,” Kumble stated.
Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are reportedly leading the race for India's Test captain and vice-captain positions.
(PTI inputs