Mumbai, August 16, 2025: A bombshell has rocked Indian cricket. Former left-arm pacer Karsan Ghavri has claimed that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were not willing to retire from Test cricket but were effectively ‘asked to go’ Ajit Agarkar’s national selection committee and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are embroiled in internal politics. Ghavri’s explosive remarks escalate an already sensitive debate over the abrupt exits of two of India’s most celebrated cricketers.
Ghavri’s Explosive Accusation
On the Vickey Lalwani Show, Ghavri didn’t hold back:
“He [Kohli] ought to have been able to play for India for a few more years, most likely.
But something really forced him to retire. … Even Rohit Sharma retired prematurely. They were asked to go out. It’s not like they wanted to leave. They wanted to continue.However, the BCCI and the selectors had different opinions.It was a matter of some kind of petty politics.”Hindustan TimesCrictodayNDTV Sports
He further criticized the BCCI’s handling of the situation, lamenting that neither player received a grand farewell despite their monumental contributions to Indian cricket.
Context: The Double Retirement That Stunned India
Lauded as pillars of modern Indian cricket, Virat and Rohit announced their retirements from the Test format in May 2025—within a span of just five days. Rohit’s exit came quietly via an Instagram story, while Kohli followed suite, officially announcing his decision through a heartfelt Instagram post.The Times of IndiaHindustan TimesNDTV Sports
This twin departure shattered norms. Indian cricket has historically embraced gradual transitions, with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble bowing out one after another—not en masse. The unexpected simultaneous exits raised eyebrows and ignited fierce speculation.Hindustan Times
Did They Want to Retire? Ghavri Says No
Contrary to public perception, Ghavri flatly asserts both players were eager to continue playing. Kohli, he said, could have easily played at least two more years. But politics—specifically the “petty” kind—apparently forced their hands.Hindustan TimesCrictodayNDTV Sports
He explains:
“Such players… should be given a grand and fabulous farewell,” adding that the lack of proper send-off was disrespectful to their legacy.Hindustan TimesCrictodayNDTV Sports
BCCI’s Counterpoint: Was It a Personal Choice?
This isn’t the first time the national selection committee, under Ajit Agarkar, has addressed the retirements. In May, Agarkar described the phase as a difficult transition and insisted that Kohli had “reached out” in April, indicating he felt he had given everything and could no longer meet the standards he set for himself. Agarkar emphasized that retirement was a deeply personal decision and not imposed by the BCCI.The Times of IndiaMoneycontrol
He said:
“When somebody takes a call (to retire), it is not up to me. Retirement is a personal call. You must accept his feelings if he believed he couldn’t meet the criteria he established.
A Power Transition in Indian Cricket
Their departure cleared the path for Shubman Gill to ascend as Test captain. Agarkar admitted that replacing stalwarts like Kohli, Rohit, and Ravichandran Ashwin was “never easy” and that the team was entering a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.The Times of India
Meanwhile, the broader cricketing community remains divided—some support Ghavri’s claims, others back BCCI’s narrative of voluntary retirement.
Fan Reaction: Shock, Disappointment, and Conspiracy Theories
News of Rohit and Kohli’s retirements stunned Indian cricket fans. Many veterans expressed astonishment, like Dilip Vengsarkar, who wrote: “I thought after the England tour, they might call it a day…”
Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra raised doubts in a candid opinion:
“They said goodbye to the wrong format,” implying that stepping away from Tests first was perhaps not the ideal exit strategy.The Times of India
Why Farewells Matter
In Indian cricket culture, farewells for legends matter deeply. Tendulkar’s emotional send-offs were more than ceremonies—they were public acknowledgments of immense legacy. As Ghavri put it, Kohli and Rohit deserved at least a similar celebration for their enormous contributions to Indian cricket.
Looking Ahead: The Road for Kohli and Rohit
Although they have bowed out of Tests, both are expected to continue in white-ball formats. The BCCI has confirmed that no immediate decisions regarding their ODI futures have been taken.The Times of India+1
Yet, Chopra’s comment raises a valid point on motivation and purpose post-Test cricket. Shall they move on seamlessly, or will absence of the game’s traditional format leave them searching for direction?
Summary Table: At a Glance
| Aspect | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Retirement Timing | Rohit and Kohli both retired from Test cricket in May 2025, within five days of each other |
| Ghavri’s Claim | Internal BCCI politics forced their premature exit |
| BCCI’s Position | Retirements were personal decisions, not forced upon them |
| New Leadership | Shubman Gill appointed Test captain in new WTC cycle |
| Farewell Missing | Neither Kohli nor Rohit received the customary grand send-off |
| White-ball Status | Currently remain active in ODI/T20; future in those formats not yet decided |
| Public Sentiment | Mixed—shock, criticism, and calls for transparency in cricket administration |
Bottom Line
Karsan Ghavri’s incisive criticism has brought attention to the fragile relationship between cricket administration and cricketing prowess. If his claims hold weight, BCCI and the selection panel must address not just this controversy, but larger institutional concerns over player autonomy and legacy.
Whether Rohit and Kohli wished to retire or were squeezed out, their era in Indian Tests may have ended on an abrupt note—but the debate they’ve ignited certainly won’t fade quickly.
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