Sourav Ganguly reacts to Virat Kohli’s surprise retirement from Test cricket

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly said he was surprised after Virat Kohli suddenly announced his Test retirement. Kohli’s decision to call it a day took everyone by surprise as every one thought he still had a few more years left in his tank.

Kohli recently retired from Test cricket, bringing down the curtains on a glorious 14-year-old career. The talisman amassed 9230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.

In the last 69 Test innings since 2020, Kohli has managed only 2028 runs at an average of 30.72, including just three centuries and his below-par numbers must have played a role in his retirement decision. 

On the other hand, Indian former Test captain Rohit Sharma also retired from the red-ball version. Rohit played 67 Tests during an 11-year career, leading in 24 of them since taking over the reins of the team from Virat Kohli in 2022. He ends his career with a total of 4301 runs, including 12 centuries.

“Yes, I am surprised. It’s their own decision. Can anyone leave the sport without it being their own wish? But it’s been a fantastic career, and the same goes for Rohit Sharma. Both of them have had incredible careers,” Ganguly told reporters in Kolkata.

The former Indian opener said the selectors should look at a long term Test captain before appointing the new skipper after Rohit Sharma’s retirement.

“The selectors will make decisions as per their understanding. A lot must be thought about in terms of captaincy. Long-term thinking. Many are talking about Jasprit Bumrah. There are concerns about his injury. We will have to think about everything together,” Ganguly said.

Both Kohli and Rohit are playing in IPL 2025 for RCB and MI respectively.