India’s Test cricket era has come to an end with Virat Kohli announcing his retirement. Following Rohit Sharma’s exit, Kohli has also decided to hang up his pads in the longest format, a move that has left former captain Sourav Ganguly surprised. According to him, Kohli’s departure creates a significant leadership and experience vacuum in the Indian Test team.
Sourav said, “Kohli’s retirement news really surprised me. While it is entirely his personal decision, its impact will be deeply felt throughout the team’s structure.”
Kohli is India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests, amassing 9,230 runs in 113 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His fitness, aggressive batting, and leadership qualities played a key role in transforming Indian Test cricket.
Kohli’s announcement comes shortly after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Earlier, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also stepped away mid-series during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With a five-match Test series against England starting on June 20, questions about India’s Test leadership have now become more pressing.
Sourav added, “This is a critical time for the selectors. They need to choose a captain who can provide long-term stability to the team. Bumrah’s injury situation also needs to be considered.”
Despite his surprise, Sourav expressed deep respect for both Kohli and Rohit, saying, “They made this decision on their own terms. Nobody leaves the game without their own reasons. Both have left an unforgettable legacy in Indian cricket.”
Now, Indian Test cricket awaits a new chapter, with questions looming: Who will lead the team next? And how prepared is the new generation to fill this huge gap? The cricketing world watches and waits for answers.
