Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both announced their retirements from Test cricket in May 2025, just ahead of India's tour of England, leaving the cricket world in shock. Reports suggest their departures were influenced by tensions with head coach Gautam Gambhir, who is pushing for a younger, fresher squad for the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. Kohli, unhappy with Gambhir's handling of senior players, reportedly decided to retire on his own terms. With both legends stepping down, the focus now shifts to Shubman Gill, who is expected to lead the team in the future, under Gambhir's new vision.
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On May 12, 2025, Virat Kohli stunned the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from Test cricket, ending a stellar career marked by numerous records and achievements. His retirement comes amid growing rumors about internal friction.
Just a week before Kohli’s announcement, Rohit Sharma also decided to retire from Test cricket. This double retirement marks a massive shift in India’s Test cricket landscape, leaving a void in leadership.
Reports suggest that Gambhir, India's new head coach, pushed for a team overhaul, leading to the departure of key players like Kohli and Rohit. His desire for "fresh faces" has been linked to the timing of these retirements.
Kohli’s retirement has been attributed to growing discord with Gambhir. A report indicates that Kohli was unhappy with how the team management treated close confidant Rohit Sharma, escalating tensions within the squad.
Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, reportedly played a role in deepening the divide by questioning Kohli’s commitment to Test cricket right after Gambhir’s offer for the Test captaincy. This move allegedly added fuel to the fire.
Sources suggest that Kohli refused to continue playing under what he saw as a manipulative setup. His decision to retire on his own terms rather than endure an uncomfortable environment sent shockwaves through the cricketing community.
With Kohli and Rohit’s retirements, Gautam Gambhir now holds unprecedented influence over Indian cricket. His approach to introduce younger players is seen as the beginning of a new era for the team.
With the departure of Kohli and Rohit, the stage is set for Shubman Gill to take charge. As the vice-captain of the white-ball formats, Gill is expected to lead India’s Test team in the near future.
While some cricket experts support Gambhir’s vision for rejuvenating the squad, others criticize him for hastening the retirements of senior players. This has sparked a debate on whether the changes were too abrupt.
With the retirements of two stalwarts, India faces a critical juncture. The focus will now shift to developing young talent and securing the future of the team, particularly in the upcoming 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle.
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