A report has revealed behind-the-scenes information on the discussions that took place between all the parties involved as the Indian cricket community comes to terms with the potential departure of Test cricket mainstays Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Rohit’s announcement of Test retirement was made public on May 7, concurrent with a meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Mumbai, which included Ajit Agarkar, the head of the BCCI selection committee. Following allegations that Kohli had told the board of a similar plan, an even larger bomb was dumped on Indian supporters.
But according to a story in Dainik Jagran, Rohit was notified of the BCCI’s decision well in advance. The board had informed Rohit that he was no longer included in the team’s test plans, according to the Hindi daily.
According to a later source, Kohli told the BCCI that he had decided to retire from the longest format, but the board persuaded him to change his mind in light of the England tour. However, the report also notes that the BCCI does not wish to become involved in the decision too much, implying that retirement is a personal choice.
After a dismal performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he also dropped out of the Sydney Test, Rohit was already close to retirement from the longest format. Even though he is already gone, Kohli may soon follow in his footsteps and give up his favorite format.
Shubman Gill is the most desired name among Rohit’s possible captaincy successors. According to reports, Gill is the top captain pick for the Test format and has demonstrated outstanding form and leadership for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League. In T20Is and ODIs, he already serves as the team’s second captain.
When Virat took over for the illustrious MS Dhoni in 2014, he captained the Indian side in Test matches for the first time in Adelaide against Australia. India demonstrated their ability to become a formidable force away from home under Kohli, who led them to numerous memorable wins in the longest format. India was unable to win either of the two World Test Championship finals that Kohli led the team to.
