While Virat Kohli’s intention to make way for the youngsters in Test cricket may be right, the timing ahead of a highly anticipated five-match tour to England is wrong, said former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu.
The Indian Express on Saturday reported that Kohli made a bombshell request to retire from Test cricket ahead of the England tour, prompting the top officials of the BCCI to urge him to reconsider his decision ahead of the series that will mark the commencement of the next ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Kohli’s decision, if not amended, will be a massive blow in terms of batting experience and leadership for a transitioning Test team, especially on the back of captain Rohit Sharma’s retirement earlier this week.
In a video on social media, Sidhu expressed that Kohli reconsider the timing of his decision to step down from Tests, stressing that the 36-year-old’s nous would be vital for India in England.
“Virat Kohli’s decision — that he wants to retire — has created a stir across the cricketing world. His intention is right, his motive is noble — that “the old order must change, yielding place to the new.” But the timing and occasion are not appropriate, because the pride and prestige of India are on the line,” Sidhu said.
Kohli’s intent noble…timing wrong – India will need his experience in England |
Watch Full Video – https://t.co/vKFon4XwEL @imVkohli @BCCI @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/LHx8T1S2Oj— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) May 10, 2025
“We are heading into a tour that is the toughest litmus test even for other Test-playing nations. Why do I say that Kohli can be our “knight in shining armour” in England? Because he has the experience, especially after Rohit Sharma’s departure. You can’t send an inexperienced side to England,” Sidhu added.
Besides Sidhu, West Indies legend Brian Lara and Kohli’s former India teammate Ambati Rayudu also took to social media to urge the India No. 4 to not give up just yet.
“Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket,” Lara wrote in an Instagram post.
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“Virat Kohli please don’t retire. The Indian team needs you more than ever.You have so much more in the tank.Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India.Please reconsider,” wrote Rayudu.