NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar expressed his surprise at the retirement of batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, admitting he expected the duo to step away after the upcoming tour of England, which begins on June 20.
Rohit and Kohli, who announced their Test retirements earlier this month while opting to continue in ODIs, have left a significant void in the Indian Test side ahead of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which kicks off with the high-stakes series in England.
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"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 said.
Kohli ended his red-ball career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. Rohit concluded his Test journey with 4,301 runs from 67 matches, featuring 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries at an average 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 new captain for the challenging five-Test series in England.
When asked who could potentially fill the vacancies left by Rohit and Kohli in 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 also praised Shreyas Iyer for his consistent form. Iyer was impressive in the Champions Trophy 2025, amassing 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60. He continued his purple patch into IPL 2025, leading Punjab Kings to their first playoff appearance in 11 years.
In doing so, Iyer made history by becoming the first captain to guide three different franchises to the IPL playoffs—Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and now Punjab Kings.
Iyer has so far scored 435 runs in IPL 2025, including 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," said the veteran when asked whether Iyer’s current form could help him step into the space vacated by Kohli in the T20I and Test formats.
Rohit and Kohli, who announced their Test retirements earlier this month while opting to continue in ODIs, have left a significant void in the Indian Test side ahead of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which kicks off with the high-stakes series in England.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
"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 said.
Kohli ended his red-ball career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. Rohit concluded his Test journey with 4,301 runs from 67 matches, featuring 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries at an average 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 new captain for the challenging five-Test series in England.
When asked who could potentially fill the vacancies left by Rohit and Kohli in 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 also praised Shreyas Iyer for his consistent form. Iyer was impressive in the Champions Trophy 2025, amassing 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60. He continued his purple patch into IPL 2025, leading Punjab Kings to their first playoff appearance in 11 years.
In doing so, Iyer made history by becoming the first captain to guide three different franchises to the IPL playoffs—Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and now Punjab Kings.
Iyer has so far scored 435 runs in IPL 2025, including 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," said the veteran when asked whether Iyer’s current form could help him step into the space vacated by Kohli in the T20I and Test formats.
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