Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar spoke about Virat Kohli's retirement, noting that he had anticipated it following the Australian tour. He suggested that top officials from the BCCI likely held private discussions with Kohli before the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which may have influenced his decision prior to the England tour.
Sunil Gavaskar hints at BCCI Influence
Gavaskar expressed that he was not surprised by Kohli's choice, especially after witnessing his dip in form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2025. He mentioned that this decline and the outcomes of the series could have played a role in Kohli's decision to retire.
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Additionally, he pointed out that just days before Kohli's announcement,  Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket. Gavaskar speculated that the BCCI might have influenced Rohit Sharma’s decision as well.
"To play or not to play is an individual decision. But I'm not surprised because, after what happened in Australia, I expected significant changes. So, I’m not shocked that he decided to call it a day," Gavaskar stated.
'Form Slump' Led to Retirement Calls
Virat Kohli took some time before announcing his retirement from Test cricket. Reports indicate that he informed the BCCI about his decision two weeks in advance; however, BCCI officials attempted to convince him to reconsider and play in the England tour. Ultimately, Kohli remained resolute and made his decision public on May 12, 2025.
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma experienced a rare slump in form during their Test careers, which adversely affected the team’s results last year, including a 0-3 loss in the home series against New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gavaskar suggested that these struggles might have influenced their decision to retire.
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He emphasized that it was better for them to retire on their own terms rather than face being dropped from the team.
"Definitely, there would have been conversations with both of them because nobody wanted to see them being dropped. For both these wonderful cricketers to exit on their own terms is what everyone wanted. They have departed after making it clear that they have had enough," he said.
Also read:Â Sunil Gavaskar's bold prediction says Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma wont play 2027 ODI World Cup
