"Virat Kohli's intention to retire is right, timing is wrong" - Navjot Singh Sidhu ahead of England tour

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu has opened up on Virat Kohli considering retirement from Tests ahead of the England tour, starting in June 2025 in the new World Test Championship cycle.

Sidhu stated that Kohli’s intention to make way for young batters in the longest format of the game may be right, but the timing is completely wrong, as India is scheduled to take on England in a five-match Test series.

Sidhu took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his opinion via a video on Kohli’s decision to retire from Tests, asserting that the 36-year-old’s services and experience would be crucial for India in England.

According to a report published in The Indian Express, Kohli was given a few days’ time to reconsider his decision by the BCCI officials. If Kohli still decides to go ahead and retire, it would be a big blow for Team India as it would be a completely rookie side travelling to England.

“Virat Kohli’s decision — that he wants to retire — has created a stir across the cricketing world. His intention is right, his motive is noble — that “the old order must change, yielding place to the new.” But the timing and occasion are not appropriate, because the pride and prestige of India are on the line,” Sidhu said.

“We are heading into a tour that is the toughest litmus test even for other Test-playing nations. Why do I say that Kohli can be our “knight in shining armour” in England? Because he has the experience, especially after Rohit Sharma’s departure. You can’t send an inexperienced side to England,” Sidhu added.

https://x.com/sherryontopp/status/1921230801473053067 

Earlier last week, Rohit Sharma also decided to retire from Tests. Notably, BCCI is looking to replace Rohit with Shubman Gill as new captain in Tests.

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