Right Intention, Wrong Timing: Former India Batter On Kohli's Test Retirement Reports

Virat Kohli recently informed the BCCI of his intention to retire from Test cricket. The board is trying their best to reverse this, and have informed the veteran cricketer that he can take a call after the England Tests. Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu feels that the intention behind Kohli's decision is correct, just the timing is wrong.

“Virat Kohli’s decision — that he wants to retire — has created a stir across the cricketing world. His intention is right, his motive is noble — that 'the old order must change, yielding place to the new.' But the timing and occasion are not appropriate, because the pride and prestige of India are on the line,” Sidhu said in a video on social media.

With the England Tests coming up, Sidhu believes that India's most experienced cricketer at the moment should play a role in the series.

“We are heading into a tour that is the toughest litmus test even for other Test-playing nations. Why do I say that Kohli can be our “knight in shining armour” in England? Because he has the experience, especially after Rohit Sharma’s departure. You can’t send an inexperienced side to England,” Sidhu added.

Kohli did not have a good outing against Australia at the end of last year. Barring the unbeaten ton in the first Test in Perth, Kohli managed just 90 more runs across his next eight innings. Notably, all his dismissals were caught behind the wickets.

Before Kohli, Rohit Sharma too had announced his decision to retire from Tests.