Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli recently called time on their Test career in the span of five days, leaving a big void in the Indian team ahead of the all-important England tour that marks the beginning of the new WTC cycle.
Having retired from T20Is last year, both the batting stalwarts will now focus solely on the One-Day International format.
In an interaction with IANS, former India cricketer Yograj Singh shared his verdict on their Test retirement, asking them to revoke the decision to save the country's red-ball cricket.
Yograj, son of legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh, further stated that Kohli still has more years to give to cricket.
"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli must return from retirement to save Indian Test cricket. This is not the time to think about themselves - it's about the nation, the fans, and the deep emotions people have for the game. Virat still has at least ten years of cricket left in him. As for Rohit, if he comes to me, I will make sure he gets back in peak fitness," Yograj said.
The 67-year-old also said the BCCI must support players during their tough times so that they don't succumb to mounting pressure.
"Back in 2011, players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag were dropped without any clear reason. When Yuvraj retired, I scolded him - I told him not to give in to pressure. He was, and still is, incredibly fit. Cricketers should fight for their place in the team instead of surrendering to external pressures.
"The BCCI must act like a parent - protect and support their players, not let ego or politics dictate decisions," Yograj added.
Yograj claimed that he called his son, Yuvraj and asked him to tell Kohli not to retire from Test cricket and end up regretting the decision later.
"I told Yuvi to call Virat and tell him, 'Don't make the same mistake I did'. I'm certain they'll (Rohit and Virat) look back and regret it a few years down the line. Because one day, the frustration will inevitably surface — but what will be the point then?'
Virat Kohli ended his Test career with 9,230 runs from 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with the highest score of 254.
Kohli also led India in 68 Test matches and suffered defeat in only 17 of them. With 40 wins and 11 draws, he boasts a remarkable win percentage of 58.82, making him the most successful Test captain in India's history.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma revived his Test career as an opener with two centuries against South Africa at Vizag in 2019 after an underwhelming start. He finished his Test career with 4,301 runs coming from 67 matches at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. He led India in 24 Tests, winning 12 and losing nine games.
(With IANS Inputs)
