Yuvraj Singh’s Father Makes Bizarre Statement After Virat Kohli’s Retirement Involving Rohit Sharma

Yuvraj Singh's father, Yograj Singh, surprisingly suggested that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should have continued playing Test cricket.

Yuvraj Singh’s Father Makes Bizarre Statement After Virat Kohli’s Retirement Involving Rohit Sharma

Yuvraj Singh's father Yograj Singh had a surprising reaction to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's decision to retire from Test cricket. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

Yograj Singh, ex-India cricketer and father of 2011 ICC World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh, had a surprising reaction to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s recent decision to retire from Test cricket. Yograj bizarrely claimed that the two players should have continued playing, till the age of 50. 

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma called time on their red-ball career, marking an end to a remarkable era for the Indian cricket team. While Sharma was the first one to announce his retirement on May 7, Kohli followed suit by deciding to step away, just four days later, on May 12. It came as a surprise to many, who were expecting the duo’s presence in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match series in England.

Their recent struggles in red-ball cricket and criticism might have forced their decision. Following back-to-back series defeats against New Zealand and Australia, Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and batting form came under scrutiny, with his average dropping to just 10.93 across eight matches. It even forced the 38-year-old opener to drop himself from India’s playing XI for the final Test against Australia in Sydney, fueling speculation about his future in red-ball cricket.

Virat Kohli fared no better either, scoring just 190 runs across five games in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Interestingly, eight of his ten dismissals in the series were against deliveries, outside the off stump, depicting his struggles against swing bowling. The 36-year-old also saw his Test average, which was 55.10 in 2019, drop down to just 32.56 over the past two years, garnering widespread criticism from fans and pundits in India.

However, former India cricketer Yograj Singh, well-known for his inflammatory and controversial remarks about Indian cricketers, surprisingly offered a different perspective on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s choice to retire from Test cricket. Drawing upon advice he had previously given to his son, Yuvraj Singh, Yograj remarked that a player should only consider retirement when he is no longer fit to continue playing.

I feel a lot of cricket is still left in Virat [Kohli] and Rohit [Sharma]…I told Yuvi [Yuvraj Singh] that it was not the right move when he was retiring. One should walk away from the field when one can no longer walk.

Ex-Indian cricketer Yograj Singh on an interview (H/T Mint)

Furthermore, the 67-year-old former cricketer, commented on Rohit Sharma, stating that the 38-year-old should have received consistent motivation at this stage. Yograj had previously even offered to coach the Indian captain, after questions arose over his fitness. He identified Sharma and Virender Sehwag as two players who retired prematurely, and unusually asserted that they should have played till the age of 50.

Rohit Sharma and Virender Sehwag are two people who retired too early. The greatest players should play till 50 years of age… I am sad about their retirement as no one is left to motivate the youngsters now.

Yograj Singh added

Yograj Singh additionally warned that the Indian team composed of young players now, without the valuable experience of Kohli and Sharma, might fall apart in the tough conditions of England. Meanwhile, the speculation continues regarding Rohit Sharma’s successor as India’s Test captain, with Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah emerging as front-runners.

Virat Kohli earns unexpected applause from ex-Team India head coach Greg Chappell, following Test retirement

Australian cricketing legend and ex-India head coach Greg Chappell joined the chorus of admirers paying tribute to Virat Kohli, after he announced his retirement from Test cricket. Chappell exclaimed that Kohli’s retirement marks the conclusion of a ‘thunderous era’. 

Virat Kohli retire Greg Chappell
Ex-India coach Greg Chappell spoke about Virat Kohli’s unmatched legacy, following Test retirement. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

Writing in his column for ESPNCricinfo, the ex-Australian skipper opined that Kohli’s 14-year long Test career, transformed the face of red-ball cricket in India. He further claimed that Kohli eclipsed Sachin Tendulkar in terms of his cultural influence across the world. Chappell even stated that the 36-year-old challenged established cricketing norms, even calling him the most ‘Australian non-Australian’ player.

Greg Chappell, infamous for his spell as India’s head coach between 2005 to 2007, added that Kohli turned the Men in Blue into a fiery side with a winning mentality. He further remarked that Kohli built upon the foundation laid by his predecessors, Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni.