Ajit Agarkar opens up on the actual reason why Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma retired from Tests

Former Indian bowling all-rounder and chief selector Ajit Agarkar has broken the silence on the Indian talismanic batting duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bidding adieu to the longest format of the game.

Advertisment

For the unversed, the Indian stalwarts retired from the longest format of the game just before the start of the new World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, raising eyebrows among the Indian cricketing fraternity.

Speaking exclusively to NDTV Sports, Agarkar has now revealed that the veteran duo felt that they may not have gone for the two years in the WTC 2025-27 cycle and thought of leaving the format well before the start of the new cycle.  

"Both of them have been stalwarts of Indian cricket. They both approached. They felt it is a new WTC cycle, whatever people might think or not think. That's the reality. Both were very aware. Perhaps, they may not have gone for those two years as Test players in the WTC cycle," Agarkar told NDTV.

Furthermore, Agarkar also disclosed that selectors would’ve loved experienced players in the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy in England. However, since the duo made their decision, they welcomed it. Notably, the Indian Test side, led by Shubman Gill, levelled the five-match Test series 2-2 in England.

"England was a series where we would have loved some experience. The performance was incredible even though we didn't win. We would have liked some experience. But, they had made their decisions. Once you have played for as long as they have and they are sure about their decision—to walk away from a particular format—you have got to respect that,” he concluded.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!

Advertisment