Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket within a gap of five days in May this year, leaving a big void in the Indian team ahead of the five-match series in England.
The sudden retirements raised questions among fans and experts, given that both stalwarts had given hints to continue in Test cricket.
Kohli had returned to play Ranji Trophy for Delhi and expressed intentions to score multiple centuries in England, while Rohit had discussed his anticipation for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in conversations with Michael Clarke during the IPL break.
Now after more than five months, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has made a big revelation about Rohit and Kohli’s decision to quite Test cricket.
According to Shastri, the veteran campaigners were asked not to retire from Tests, but they went on their own, and he expects the pair to do the same thing with their ODI careers as well.
“Virat retired from Test Cricket, as did Rohit. They were not asked to retire. They went on their own. I would think it’s similar. If they’re not enjoying it, if the form is not good, you never know. They might pull the plug themselves," Shastri said while speaking to Fox Sports.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have now become one-format players. The three-match ODI series against Australia, slated to start on October 19 in Perth, will mark their return to international cricket for the first time since March 2025.
The series comes at a significant juncture in Rohit and Kohli’s career amidst speculations of farewell from international cricket.
Commenting on Rohit and Kohli’s ODI future, Shastri said, “I also feel they feel they have got enough cricket in them. You know, it depends on how hungry you are, how fit you are, and whether that passion for the game is still there. With their experience, it’ll come in very handy. I would say take it one series at a time. It’s still a long way to go South Africa. Hopefully if they have a good one here, that should keep them in good state of mind, thinking of South Africa.”
