'They should have given him a royal send-off' - Kris Srikkanth on Virat Kohli's Test retirement

Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth believes that India should have given Virat Kohli a grand farewell prior to his retirement from Test cricket.

The talismanic Kohli retired from the format ahead of the 2025 series in England. He has scored 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries. He is often considered one of the finest batters in the game and is credited with revolutionising India's fortunes in the longest format. Srikkanth stated that Kohli should have played in the series in England, which India eventually drew 2-2. 

“I think Virat Kohli should have played the Test series in England, in my opinion. He is a different level. It is not about age. He’s got the passion, aggression; he’s simply amazing. In 20-20 cricket, he is amazing, in IPL as well. Against England, in that series, Virat should have gone, frankly speaking. I think they should have given him a royal send-off. For someone who has done so much for Indian cricket, they should have given him a royal send-off in Test cricket. Unfortunately, it did not happen,” Srikkanth said in an interview with the press.

Srikkanth expressed his opposition towards the BCCI's decision to retire Kohli prematurely. He stated that Kohli, like other cricketing greats, such as Sachin Tendulkar, should have received the leeway to call time on his own. He also opined that Kohli is one of the greatest captains India has ever produced, despite not having lifted a single ICC trophy. 

“You should let him alone. Let Virat decide what to do. Like what Sachin did. He is King of Kings. He himself would know what to do, what not to do. He is a very balanced guy. I like his commitment to the game and he is a big team man. He’s been one of the best captains India has produced, especially in Test cricket. But it’s just that he’s not been lucky that he could not win an ICC trophy. But otherwise, in my opinion, he has been one of the best captains India has produced,” he stated.

'He should play the 2027 World Cup' - Srikkanth on Rohit Sharma

Srikkanth further stated that Rohit Sharma should be part of the Indian team till the 2027 Cricket World Cup, and is still one of the best ODI cricketers. Rohit, who also retired from Test cricket alongside Kohli, has been a regular feature in the ODI side. He has scored 11,641 runs at an average of 48.70, with 33 centuries, which also includes three double-centuries.

“Rohit, yes in Test cricket he retired, it was fine. I think it was right. 20-20 they all retired together, which is probably their own decision. In one-day cricket, I still believe Rohit Sharma is one of the best one-day cricketers and ODI openers. I think if he is scoring runs and fit enough, then why not? He should play the 2027 World Cup,” he said.