'We will always miss them' - BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Test retirements

During India’s ongoing Test series against England, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla addressed the speculation around the sudden Test retirements of two of India’s modern-day greats, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Speaking after the Indian men’s and women’s teams met King Charles III at St. James’s Palace in London on Tuesday, Shukla mentioned that the decision to exit from red-ball cricket was entirely personal for both the batters.

Rohit and Virat announced their Test retirements just a month before the five-match series against England. After a dismal 2024-25 season which India lost at home to New Zealand by a 3-0 margin and followed by a loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, many criticised the Test setup. However, Shukla dismissed such claims.

"They have retired themselves. We will always miss them, they are both great batsmen, and the good thing for us is that they are available for ODIs," he said.

Despite their Test retirement, Shukla confirmed that both Rohit and Virat remain in the scheme of things for ODIs and focus on future tournaments like the 2027 World Cup. Meanwhile, young captain Shubman Gill has taken over the leadership duties in red-ball cricket. India created history with a first-ever Test win at Edgbaston under his captaincy, triggering talks about a possible change in ODI captaincy too. However, Shukla chose not to comment on the leadership issue.

King Charles hosts Indian team at St. James’s Palace

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King Charles hosts Indian team at St. James’s Palace

It was a very historic occasion meeting King Charles: Shukla

While India's Test players met King Charles III and Shukla, who was also present at the palace, Shukla described the event as historic. The King interacted with the cricketers, asking questions about recent matches and even about pacer Akash Deep’s sister’s battle with cancer.

"It was a very historic occasion that both our men's and women's teams were invited today by King Charles and met them very well in the Palace. Players are very happy because he asked all personal details of each player. He asked Saikia ji (BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia) and me about whether Arun Jaitley is my friend, what happened to him, and when I told him that he had died, he asked me to pay condolences to his family. He also asked about Akash Deep's sister's illness. He had found out so many details. He sounded like a gentleman, and it did not seem we were talking to the King of England. There is a lot of humility in him and team is very happy to meet him," he added