Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 16: Former India cricketer Karsan Ghavri has stirred the debate over the sudden retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the Indian Test team, suggesting that “internal politics” within the BCCI forced the two stalwarts to step away from the longest format of the game.

Speaking on the Vickey Lalwani Show, Ghavri said, “Kohli should have definitely continued playing for India, probably for another couple of years. But something really forced him to retire. Unfortunately, when he retired, he was not even given a farewell by the BCCI. Such players, who have given so much to Indian cricket, deserve a grand and fabulous farewell.”

Ghavri added that the selection panel bore responsibility for the “premature” exit of both players. “It’s due to internal politics within the BCCI. Even Rohit Sharma retired prematurely. They were asked to go out. It’s not like they wanted to leave; they wanted to continue, but selectors and BCCI had different ideas,” he said.

The abrupt retirements came in May 2025, just days before the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy clash against England, following underwhelming performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

Reports also suggest that Kohli and Rohit may consider retiring from ODIs soon, potentially ending their aspirations of playing in the 2027 World Cup.

Virat Kohli’s illustrious ODI career includes 14,181 runs in 302 matches at an average of 57.88, with 51 centuries and 74 fifties, and a highest score of 183. Rohit Sharma has amassed 11,168 runs in 272 matches at an average of 48.76, including 32 centuries and 59 fifties, with a best score of 264.

Ghavri’s comments add a fresh perspective to the ongoing debate surrounding the sudden departure of two of India’s most celebrated cricketers.