India legend makes eye-opening statement on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli retirement | Cricket News

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar expressed his shock on the retirement of batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, admitting he anticipated the duo to step away after the upcoming tour of England, which begins on June 20.Rohit and Kohli, who introduced their Test retirements earlier this month whereas opting to proceed in ODIs, have left a major void within the Indian Test aspect forward of the brand new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which kicks off with the high-stakes sequence in England.“Both have outstanding and great cricketers, and their contribution to Indian cricket is huge. I was surprised because there is an England tour of five Test matches. I thought after the England tour, they might call it a day, but they preferred it before the England tour. Then I think it’s their call,” Vengsarkar stated.Kohli ended his red-ball profession with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at a mean of 46.85, together with 30 centuries and 31 fifties. Rohit concluded his Test journey with 4,301 runs from 67 matches, that includes 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries at a mean of 40.57.

The duo had earlier retired from T20Is in June 2024 after guiding India to the Men’s T20 World Cup title with a win over South Africa.“Both are experienced players, and they have done so well in England on every tour, so it’s a big loss. Then, if you see that other players have done well for the India A team, in first-class cricket in India, they will get an opportunity to play and establish themselves in the Indian team,” he added.With Rohit stepping down, India will now require a brand new captain for the difficult five-Test sequence in England.When requested who may probably fill the vacancies left by Rohit and Kohli within the Test squad, Vengsarkar deferred to the selectors.“It is difficult to say who will replace them because it is up to (Ajit Agarkar) and Co. as they are selectors. They are observing FC matches (Irani Cup, Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy), and I think it’s all up to them (selectors).”

Vengsarkar additionally praised Shreyas Iyer for his constant kind. Iyer was spectacular within the Champions Trophy 2025, amassing 243 runs in 5 matches at a mean of 48.60. He continued his purple patch into IPL 2025, main Punjab Kings to their first playoff look in 11 years.In doing so, Iyer made historical past by turning into the primary captain to information three totally different franchises to the IPL playoffs—Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and now Punjab Kings.Iyer has thus far scored 435 runs in IPL 2025, together with two half-centuries.“He is a good player, there is no question about it and he’s done very well over the years, he is an experienced player,” stated the veteran when requested whether or not Iyer’s present kind may assist him step into the area vacated by Kohli within the T20I and Test codecs.