'Intention right, timing wrong' - Navjot Singh Sidhu urges Virat Kohli to reconsider Test retirement thought

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu believes that ace batter Virat Kohli’s presence in the squad will be crucial in the upcoming Test series in England. India will tour England for a five-match Test which will begin the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

The 61-year-old expressed his thoughts after reports emerged that Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his plan to retire from Test cricket. Sidhu insisted that the 36-year-old will be a knight in shining armor and needed that kind of experience for the England tour.

"Virat Kohli’s decision — that he wants to retire — has created a stir across the cricketing world. 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 armor" in England? Because he has the experience, especially after Rohit Sharma's departure. You can’t send an inexperienced side to England," Sidhu was quoted as saying by India Today.

The cricketer-turned-commentator acknowledged the Indian veteran’s intentions are pure and mentioned that the timing of the decision is not good for the Indian team.

"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," he added.

Several cricket experts and former cricketers opined their thoughts on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player, after the retirement news went viral.

The Indian ODI skipper Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test format through his social media a few days back. Meanwhile, India will take on England from June 20 at Leeds.