‘Should have played till 50 years…’ Yograj Singh’s big statement on Rohit and Kohli’s Test retirement

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Retire from Test Cricket: Yograj Singh Shares Emotional Reaction

Two of India's greatest cricket legends, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have recently retired from international Test cricket. The announcement surprised fans around the world, as both players are still considered to be at the top of their game. Their retirement marks the end of an era in Indian Test cricket.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have both played vital roles in the Indian Test team for over a decade. Their skill, consistency, and leadership helped shape many historic victories for India. However, despite their ongoing form and experience, the two veterans have decided to step away from the longest format of the game. While fans continue to celebrate their past achievements, many are wondering if this decision came too early.

Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, expressed his disappointment over the timing of their retirement. While speaking to the media, Yograj said, “Virat Kohli is a very big player, and this is a big loss for Team India. Both Virat and Rohit still had a lot of cricket left in them. Rohit Sharma, Virender Sehwag, and Kohli — all these players retired early. I think they should have played until they were 50 years old.”

Yograj Singh also shared a personal story about his son Yuvraj Singh’s retirement. He explained that he had advised Yuvraj not to retire until someone better was ready to take his place in the team. According to him, players should stay in the game as long as they can contribute and mentor the younger generation.

He further added, “I feel bad about the retirement of these players because now there is no one left to encourage and guide the young players. Rohit Sharma, especially, needs someone to motivate him every day. Great players should leave only when it’s clear that the next generation is ready.”

Although Rohit and Virat have stepped down from Test and T20 cricket, they are still active in the ODI format. After India won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, both players retired from T20 internationals. Now, fans can still enjoy watching them in One Day Internationals and in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Currently, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are busy playing in the IPL 2025 season. However, the tournament faced an unexpected pause due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Thankfully, the IPL is set to resume on May 17, and fans are excited to see their favorite stars back in action.

Virat Kohli, who is representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has been in great form this season. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is delivering strong performances for Mumbai Indians (MI). Their upcoming matches are highly anticipated. RCB will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 17, and Mumbai Indians will go up against Delhi Capitals on May 21.

Their performance in this year’s IPL proves that they still have plenty of cricket left in them. With both players continuing to entertain fans in the shorter formats, their retirement from Test cricket feels bittersweet.

In conclusion, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s exit from Test cricket leaves a huge gap in Indian cricket. While their fans respect their decision, many, including Yograj Singh, believe they could have contributed more in the red-ball format. As they continue to shine in ODIs and the IPL, they still carry the hopes of millions on their shoulders. Their Test careers may be over, but their legacy in Indian cricket will live on forever.