Virat Kohli And...? These Indian Stars Likely To Retire From Tests After R Ashwin

Debashis Sarangi

Virat Kohli could retire after BGT 2024 [Source: AP]Virat Kohli could retire after BGT 2024 [Source: AP]

On Wednesday, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shocked the cricketing world, announcing his retirement from international cricket. The talismanic off-spinner, who has led India to numerous memorable victories, will no longer be a part of their Test squad henceforth. 

Considering India have so many players who are at the twilight of their careers, it won't be surprising if several big names hang up their boots from Tests at the end of the ongoing BGT. So, as team India gear up for the penultimate Test of the series, here are three players who might take retirement after the tour. 

Virat Kohli

Why Will Virat Kohli Take Retirement From Tests?

  • Virat Kohli is hailed as one of India's finest batters of all time. The talismanic cricketer was pivotal in India's rise as a ruthless force in Tests, leading them to numerous historic wins as a captain. 
  • However, Kohli has been struggling with poor batting form, averaging just above 31 in Test cricket since 2020. The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy hasn't been worth remembering for the legendary batter, as he has done nothing significant apart from a century in the Perth Test. 
  • So, considering his abysmal form and he is on the wrong side of his 30s, Virat Kohli might announce Test retirement if he doesn't regain his mojo in the remainder of the BGT. 

Rohit Sharma

Why Will Rohit Sharma Take Retirement From Tests?

  • Rohit Sharma has had a roller-coaster journey in Test cricket this year. He performed admirably in the England home Tests, but his returns since in the home series against Bangladesh have been nothing short of shambolic. 
  • In his last ten Test innings, Rohit averages just over 12 with a solitary fifty-plus score. Furthermore, his tactical shortcomings have earned him massive backlash and considering he is 37, the Mumbaikar might think it appropriate to call it a day after BGT. 

Mohammed Shami

Why Will Mohammed Shami Take Retirement From Tests?

  • India's veteran speedster Mohammed Shami has been an absolute match-winner for them across formats. Apart from emerging as one of India's prolific performers in Tests, Shami has contributed a lot to the team's success in ICC ODI World Cups. 
  • However, the seasoned campaigner has been out of action and hasn't played a single international game since the 2023 World Cup on home soil. His vulnerable fitness and the emergence of youngsters like Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna might force Shami to take the R Ashwin route and retire from Tests before the next WTC cycle.