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, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar has set the record straight on Rohit and Kohli's Test retirements, confirming the decision was entirely theirs.

Agarkar confirmed that it was the legendary duo who approached him and conveyed that they were no longer keen on continuing in Test cricket.

"Both of them have been stalwarts of Indian cricket. They both approached. They felt it is a new WTC cycle, whatever people might think or not think. That's the reality. Both were very aware. Perhaps, they may not have gone for those two years as Test players in the WTC cycle," Agarkar said at the NDTV World Summit 2025.

"England was a series where we would have loved some experience. The performance was incredible even though we didn't win. We would have liked some experience. But, they had made their decisions. Once you have played for as long as they have and they are sure about their decision—to walk away from a particular format—you have got to respect that.

"Whether we tried to talk them into playing, I will keep it to myself," he added.

The chairman of selectors also said he was unaware of the social media backlash, adding that he has avoided reading online opinions since assuming the high-profile role.

"I don't check social media. I usually talk to the players. I think you have got to focus on the team that played in England," Agarkar remarked.

Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have now become one-format players. The three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19 in Perth, will mark their return to international cricket for the first time since March 2025.

Shubman Gill has replaced Rohit as ODI captain, with both latter and Kohli set to play as specialist batters.