Rohit, Kohli, Pujara: BCCI Criticised for Mishandling Legends’ Farewells

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has criticised the BCCI for failing to communicate properly with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma regarding their sudden Test retirements. Both players shocked the cricketing world in May by announcing their departures just months before India’s England tour.

Rohit broke the news via an Instagram story during the IPL, followed by Kohli five days later, leaving fans and former cricketers questioning the lack of a proper farewell.

Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, called the situation “not a good look for Indian cricket,” highlighting the gap in communication. “If you play 100 Tests for your country, you must be a terrific cricketer. They deserved a good send-off,” he said, adding that Kohli still had at least two years of Test cricket left.

Kohli retired after 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and seven double hundreds. Rohit finished with 4,301 runs in 67 Tests at 40.57, with 12 centuries, and served as captain from March 2022, recording 12 wins, nine losses, and three draws.

Srikkanth also expressed disappointment over Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement, which, like Kohli and Rohit’s, lacked a formal farewell. “The BCCI should have spoken to him about his retirement plans to ensure a fitting send-off. It’s a matter of cooperation between the player, selectors, and the board,” he said.