NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer and coach Yograj Singh has expressed his concern over the recent retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket.
He believes that their decisions should be revoked to safeguard the future of Indian red-ball cricket.
According to Yograj, the departure of these two senior batters leaves the Indian team without their most experienced players ahead of the crucial five-match Test series against England, scheduled to commence on June 20.
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He argues that Kohli, in particular, still has several years of cricket left in him and should reconsider his decision.
"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli must return from retirement to save Indian Test cricket . This is not the time to think about themselves - it's about the nation, the fans, and the deep emotions people have for the game. Virat still has at least ten years of cricket left in him. As for Rohit, if he comes to me, I will make sure he gets back in peak fitness," Yograj told IANS.
The veteran cricketer also highlights the need for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide support and protection to players during challenging times.
"Back in 2011, players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag were dropped without any clear reason. When Yuvraj retired, I scolded him - I told him not to give in to pressure. He was, and still is, incredibly fit. Cricketers should fight for their place in the team instead of surrendering to external pressures," he added.
"The BCCI must act like a parent - protect and support their players, not let ego or politics dictate decisions."
He cites examples from the past, such as the abrupt dropping of players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag in 2011, and expresses his disappointment with the lack of clear reasons provided.
Yograj has urged his son, Yuvraj Singh, to reach out to Kohli and advise him against making the same mistake Yuvraj did by retiring prematurely.
"I told Yuvi to call Virat and tell him, 'Don’t make the same mistake I did'. I’m certain they’ll (Rohit and Virat) look back and regret it a few years down the line. Because one day, the frustration will inevitably surface — but what will be the point then?" he added.
He believes that their decisions should be revoked to safeguard the future of Indian red-ball cricket.
According to Yograj, the departure of these two senior batters leaves the Indian team without their most experienced players ahead of the crucial five-match Test series against England, scheduled to commence on June 20.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
He argues that Kohli, in particular, still has several years of cricket left in him and should reconsider his decision.
"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli must return from retirement to save Indian Test cricket . This is not the time to think about themselves - it's about the nation, the fans, and the deep emotions people have for the game. Virat still has at least ten years of cricket left in him. As for Rohit, if he comes to me, I will make sure he gets back in peak fitness," Yograj told IANS.
The veteran cricketer also highlights the need for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide support and protection to players during challenging times.
"Back in 2011, players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag were dropped without any clear reason. When Yuvraj retired, I scolded him - I told him not to give in to pressure. He was, and still is, incredibly fit. Cricketers should fight for their place in the team instead of surrendering to external pressures," he added.
"The BCCI must act like a parent - protect and support their players, not let ego or politics dictate decisions."
He cites examples from the past, such as the abrupt dropping of players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag in 2011, and expresses his disappointment with the lack of clear reasons provided.
Yograj has urged his son, Yuvraj Singh, to reach out to Kohli and advise him against making the same mistake Yuvraj did by retiring prematurely.
"I told Yuvi to call Virat and tell him, 'Don’t make the same mistake I did'. I’m certain they’ll (Rohit and Virat) look back and regret it a few years down the line. Because one day, the frustration will inevitably surface — but what will be the point then?" he added.
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