Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Tie Their Own Hands by Exiting Test Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have limited their own options by choosing to retire from Test cricket earlier this year. His remarks came following the announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming Australia tour, which includes three ODIs and five T20 Internationals. Rohit Sharma was replaced as captain by Shubman Gill, signaling a challenging future for both veterans who once held irreplaceable positions in the team. Their performance with the bat will now be crucial if they hope to secure a spot for the 2027 World Cup tour across South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

Since Rohit and Virat are now only participating in the ODI format, questions remain about their ability to maintain form and secure enough playing time. The limited opportunities in ODIs and the Indian Premier League might not provide the consistent match exposure needed for international cricket, leaving uncertainty over whether they will also play in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Both players had retired from T20 Internationals following India’s World Cup victory in Barbados last year and recently exited Test cricket as well. While their Test retirements surprised many fans, some expected it given their struggles during the last Australian tour. With the new selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar and new head coach Gautam Gambhir taking tough decisions, the continuation of Rohit and Virat’s international careers hangs in the balance, which Chopra attributes primarily to the players’ own choices.

Chopra points out that by quitting Test cricket, they also curtailed their exposure to long-format and first-class cricket, which helps players maintain serious form across formats. This decision has implications on their readiness and match fitness for the shorter formats.

Virat Kohli, who holds the record for the most ODI centuries, faces the same challenges as Rohit despite being younger by two years. Chopra emphasizes that consistent performance is the key for both players to remain in the playing XI. If the runs keep coming, they can hold their places; otherwise, emerging players might seize the opportunity.

In summary, their international futures now depend heavily on maintaining form in limited opportunities, making every performance critical in the evolving Indian cricket landscape.