‘Much better if Kohli and Rohit retired on the field’ - India spinner feels stalwarts deserved farewell match

Indian cricketer Ravi Bishnoi has voiced his opinion that stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma deserved a proper send-off in recognition of their immense contributions to Indian cricket. Both legends retired from T20 internationals after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, and later announced their retirement from the Test format as well.

At present, Kohli and Rohit remain active in ODIs, but uncertainty surrounds their future in the format. Several reports have suggested that the upcoming tour of Australia in October could be their final international assignment. The BCCI has often faced criticism for not providing fitting farewells to many of India’s greatest cricketers, with Rohit and Kohli also being in the list.

“It is actually shocking, because you always want to see them retire from the field. For such big legends, you want them to leave while still being on the field; that looks much better. And what both of them have done for India, in my view, there is no one even close,” Bishnoi said on the Game Changers podcast.

The young spinner acknowledged that such a send-off could still happen, as the BCCI might eventually roll out the red carpet for the two icons when the time comes. However, he stressed that it did not change the fact that both players should have been celebrated before bidding farewell to Test cricket.

“You want them to get a good farewell, but maybe they will get that in ODIs as well, whenever they leave, whenever they want to. Because no one can tell you when you will retire. But it was shocking when both of them retired, because suddenly you feel like two spots have become empty, who will come and fulfill that?,” Bishnoi expressed.

Rohit reportedly passes Bronco Test with flying colours

Recently, Rohit was present at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for the pre-season fitness assessments. Reports are hinting that the veteran opener not only cleared the newly introduced Bronco Test but also delivered impressive numbers.

Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which kicks off on September 9 in the UAE. The Men in Blue will begin their campaign against the hosts UAE on September 10.