Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement and shocked everyone just ahead of England tour which was supposed to start from June 20. What left everyone wondering was first Rohit Sharma retired and within few days Virat Kohli also declared his retirement.
Former England captain Anil Kumble believes that the two-batters deserve a good farewell on-field.
“It is a huge surprise. Two outstanding, great players retiring on the back of few days. I didn’t see it coming. It has certainly caught me off guard. I thought he has a few more years left in him, especially at the Test level,” Kumble said on Kohli on ‘ESPNCricinfo’.
“He’s playing only the ODI format now. No player leaves with any regret and I am sure he would have thought through this and ultimately it is the player’s call.”
“It is a very quiet exit. Every player deserves to leave on his terms, but I think on the field. We spoke about this when R Ashwin retired as well, right in the middle of the series he announced his retirement and came back .
“Right now, Rohit Sharma a few days ago and then Virat Kohli. I think all three of them deserved a proper send off on the field. I strongly believe people who matter need to address that. I know it is a social media age, yes the fans want to be there, there would have been plenty of fans and have a roaring send off.
Currently most of the Indian players are involved in IPL and just after that they’ll be featuring in the five-match Test series against England which will be starting from June 20.
(With PTI Inputs)