Virat Kohli's retirement is big blow to Test cricket: Moeen Ali

The retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has caused a lot of buzz in the cricketing world. Former England star all-rounder Moeen Ali has opened up on the exits of the legendary batters and how their absence from the format will be a big blow for the team going into the upcoming Test series against the 'Three Lions’.

The 37-year-old recalled how the duo performed in English conditions during India's last tour, terming their retirements from the format as a massive boost for England as India travel to the United Kingdom for a five-Test series. Moeen also emphasised upon Rohit’s performance in England in the 2021 series, when he emerged as one of the top batters for India. 

“Definitely, I think it’s a massive boost for England. Two top players who’ve been to England a few times on tour, so they have experience, both Rohit and Kohli have had their times of peril and glory in whites in England. Kohli had a famously forgettable series in 2014 before plundering runs in 2018. Rohit put in what is rated as the best performance of his Test career in India’s 2021 tour of the country," Moeen said on Sky Sports.

“I remember Rohit playing really well the last time they were in England. The character they have, the leaders they (are), both of them have captained India in Test cricket, so yeah, a massive loss for the team, it’s (Kohli’s retirement) a massive blow to Test cricket. He was the one pioneer, the one guy in Test cricket that always pushed the format. Amazing player, amazing career. He has done enough. He’s done so much for the game itself, especially in India,” he added.

I think after Sachin Tendulkar, he was the guy: Moeen Ali

Moeen went on to talk about Kohli and compared him with Sachin Tendulkar, admiring his ability to fill the stadia like the 'Master Blaster'. He also praised Kohli's competitiveness and leadership in the prestigious format through which he established him as one of the greats of the game.

“I think after Sachin (Tendulkar), he was the guy everybody comes to watch, and he filled out stadiums. Amazing record, a brilliant player to watch as well. The style he played with (was) very competitive and a brilliant captain as well. A big blow to Test cricket,” Moeen concluded.