BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has put to rest ongoing speculation surrounding the retirement of Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket. Speaking publicly, Shukla emphasized that the decision to step away from the longest format was made entirely by the players themselves, with no involvement or pressure from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“I want to make it very clear once and for all,” Shukla said. “We are all feeling the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but they took the decision on their own. BCCI has a policy of never telling any player when to retire and from which format. This is on the player.”
His statement comes in response to widespread fan discussions and media speculation suggesting that the board might have influenced the decisions of two of India's most iconic cricketers. Both Rohit and Kohli have been pillars of Indian Test cricket for over a decade, leading the team through memorable victories at home and overseas.
While acknowledging the significant void their retirement leaves in the Test setup, Shukla was quick to assure fans that both players remain active in other formats. “We will always miss them. We will always consider them as great batsmen. The good thing is they are available in ODIs,” he added.
The BCCI's clarification underlines its long-standing stance of allowing senior players to make retirement decisions at their own discretion. Both Kohli and Rohit have enjoyed distinguished careers in Test cricket, with leadership and batting records that place them among the game's modern greats.
IND Vs ENG, 3rd Test: Joe Root & Zak Crawley Console Emotional Mohammed Siraj After India's Narrow Defeat To England By 22 Runs; Video
In one of the most dramatic finishes of the Test summer, England defeated India by 22 runs in the third Test at Lord’s to take a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. While the match ended with scenes of jubilation from the English camp, it also produced a heartfelt moment as Joe Root and Zak Crawley were seen consoling a visibly emotional Mohammed Siraj after the final wicket fell.
The defining moment came when Shoaib Bashir, battling a hand injury, delivered a stunning ball to dismiss Siraj and wrap up the Test. Bashir tossed it well above the batter’s eyeline, landing it in the rough outside off. The ball gripped and turned sharply off the surface with extra bounce, catching Siraj off guard. As he tried to defend, the ball dropped near his bat, spun back behind him, and gently kissed the leg stump, just enough to dislodge the bail and end India’s chase.
The dismissal sparked wild celebrations from the English players, who mobbed Bashir as he wheeled around the outfield in joy, ignoring any pain from his left hand. It was a magic moment for the young spinner and a vital one for the home side, giving them control of the five-match series.
On the other end of the emotional spectrum, Mohammed Siraj stood stunned. He had fought valiantly, both with the ball earlier and in a last-ditch attempt to stay at the crease. As he crouched down in disappointment, Joe Root and Zak Crawley walked over immediately, offering him kind words and a hand of comfort. The moment was captured on video and widely shared online, earning praise for the English duo’s sportsmanship.
