Were Rohit and Kohli forced into Test retirement? Know what BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said

In May 2025, Indian cricket witnessed a historic moment as two legendary players, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, announced their retirement from Test cricket. This sudden and emotional decision left fans, former players, and cricket experts in shock. The duo, who had dominated red-ball cricket for over a decade, decided to step away from the longest format of the game, marking the end of an era for Indian Test cricket. Their retirement sparked widespread debate and speculation in the cricketing world, with many trying to uncover the reason behind the decision. While some linked it to India's recent struggles in the format, others speculated it was a move to focus on limited-overs cricket and manage workload.

Addressing the growing buzz, Rajiv Shukla, Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), clarified the situation during a media interaction in England, shortly after meeting King Charles III at St James’ Palace. Shukla firmly stated, “This is their personal decision. We will always miss them. They are both great batsmen. The good thing is that they are still available in ODIs.” His words reassured fans that while Rohit and Kohli might no longer wear whites, their contributions in colored jerseys would continue, especially in major events like the 2027 ICC World Cup.

India's Test team had suffered defeats against New Zealand and Australia in the 2024–25 season, leading many to question whether performance pressures had prompted the two stalwarts to retire. However, Shukla dismissed these assumptions, making it clear that performance had nothing to do with their decisions. Both Rohit and Kohli have consistently been among India’s top performers, and their retirement, according to Shukla, was entirely their own call, taken at the right time in their careers.

With the Test team undergoing changes, the spotlight has now shifted to the young and promising Shubman Gill, who has taken over the captaincy. Under his leadership, India recently achieved its first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, a moment hailed by fans and former cricketers alike. Many are now wondering if Gill, given his calm temperament and strategic mindset, will be given the responsibility of leading the ODI team as well. While the discussions are ongoing, Rajiv Shukla chose not to comment on the future of India’s ODI captaincy, leaving room for further developments in the coming months.

Apart from cricketing matters, Shukla also spoke about the Indian men's and women's teams' historic meeting with King Charles III in London. The players were invited to St James’ Palace, where they had a personal interaction with the British monarch. Shukla described the meeting as “historic” and said that King Charles was surprisingly down-to-earth. He took a genuine interest in the players’ lives, even asking personal questions. One of the most touching moments came when King Charles inquired about the health of fast bowler Akash Deep’s sister, showcasing his warmth and humility. “He seemed very humble and it did not feel like we were talking to a king,” Shukla remarked.

King Charles also took time to ask about the late Arun Jaitley, a former BCCI member and prominent Indian politician. He expressed his condolences to Jaitley’s family, a gesture that was deeply appreciated by the Indian delegation. The meeting with the king was a proud and emotional moment for the players, marking a memorable chapter in their careers.

As Indian cricket prepares for a new era, with young leaders and a fresh focus on T20s and ODIs, the legacy of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test cricket will remain unmatched. Their retirement may mark the end of a golden phase, but their influence will continue to guide the next generation.