Virat Kohli, Rohit and Pujara deserved better send-offs: Srikkanth slams BCCI

Former India captain and chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has stated that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara deserved better send-offs following their retirement from Test cricket. Srikkanth criticised the BCCI for failing to properly communicate with Kohli and Rohit regarding their departures from the longest format.

The sudden announcements by both players in May sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, particularly as they were expected to tour England for the five-match Test series. Kohli and Rohit have adhered to the BCCI's directive to participate in a Ranji Trophy match following the Australia tour. However, in the midst of the IPL, Rohit Sharma unexpectedly announced his Test retirement via an Instagram post.

Just five days later, Virat Kohli followed suit, declaring the end of his Test career in a similar fashion. Neither player received a farewell Test, raising questions about whether the BCCI had coordinated effectively with them. Srikkanth expressed disappointment that two of India's modern greats were denied fitting send-offs despite their immense contributions. The debate around proper farewells intensified with Cheteshwar Pujara's recent retirement, once again highlighting concerns over how Indian stalwarts are treated.

"If you play 100 Tests for your country, you must be a terrific cricketer. So you should be given a good send-off. I am convinced there was a big communication gap when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired. They should have spoken to them, but instead, this is not a good look for the game and Indian cricket," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel. Srikkanth, who previously served as BCCI chief selector, stressed that Kohli still had at least two years of Test cricket left and deserved a proper farewell.

"Virat Kohli's retirement happened just like that. Virat Kohli deserved a better send-off. He still had two years of Test cricket left in him. But because we drew in England, such talks about him got shut off. However, India will find it difficult to get a cricketer like Virat Kohli for some time," he added.

Kohli's Test career spanned 14 years and 123 matches, during which he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and seven double hundreds. He retired just 770 runs short of the 10,000-run mark, cementing his legacy as one of India's greatest Test batters. Rohit Sharma, who struggled during the 2024-25 season, finished his career with 4,301 runs in 67 Tests at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries. He replaced Kohli as captain in March 2022 and, over his tenure, guided India to 12 wins, nine losses, and three draws, while scoring 1,254 runs.

Srikkanth also highlighted that Pujara retired without a farewell Test.

"Similarly with Pujara, though it's been a while since he played for India, they should have spoken to him also about his retirement plans. Of course, the player also has to cooperate and realise when their time is up. Had that happened, Pujara would have got a better send-off. But it's a matter of cooperation between the player, selectors and the BCCI," he said. Fans can still look forward to seeing Kohli and Rohit in action, as both are set to feature in India's three-match ODI series against Australia, starting 19 October.