Rohit axed from Tests, Kohli's red-ball exit 'personal': Report

The Indian cricket world has been in turmoil over the past few days, with two of its biggest stars — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — reportedly stepping away from Test cricket. While Rohit’s retirement has been made official, Kohli’s decision remains in limbo as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) urges him to rethink. Amid the uncertain future of India's test cricket, a recent report has revealed behind-the-scenes conversations between Sharma, Kohli, and BCCI officials, shedding light on how the retirement discussions unfolded.

BCCI told Rohit Sharma he's no longer in test plans

According to a report in Dainik Jagran, Rohit Sharma’s retirement wasn’t a sudden decision. The BCCI had already communicated to him that he was no longer part of their Test plans. Though it was initially speculated that he was being sacked ahead of India’s Test tour to England, it appears that he was shown the door by the management. However, Rohit may have already been unsure about his Test future, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he even dropped himself from the Sydney Test.

His decision was revealed around the time of a BCCI meeting in Mumbai on May 7, where selectors, including chief Ajit Agarkar, discussed India’s future red-ball plans. Rohit, 36, has now quietly exited the format, announcing his test retirement with just an Instagram story.

Virat Kohli leaning toward retirement, BCCI urges delay

The bigger shock for fans came with reports of Virat Kohli also informing the BCCI of his intention to retire from Test cricket.

While Kohli has not yet made a public announcement, sources say he has communicated his desire to step away. However, top BCCI officials have asked him to hold off, especially with the high-stakes five-match Test series against England just around the corner. For now, the board is leaving the decision to him, acknowledging that such calls are personal.

A report by The Indian Express stated that Kohli, 35, has been contemplating this move since the end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where his performances drew heavy criticism.

Shubman Gill likely to lead India in Tests

With Rohit gone and Kohli potentially next, the BCCI is looking ahead. Shubman Gill has emerged as the frontrunner to take over India’s red-ball captaincy. The young batter, currently leading Gujarat Titans in the IPL, is also the vice-captain in limited-overs formats and is seen as someone with leadership potential.

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