Robin Uthappa makes a strong statement on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's Test retirements

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has once again sparked discussion around the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, suggesting that their exits from Test cricket earlier this year did not appear to be entirely “natural.” Sharing his perspective, Uthappa remarked that there seemed to be more to the situation than what was made public, adding that the complete truth would only come out if and when Kohli and Rohit themselves choose to speak openly about the circumstances surrounding their decisions. Both senior batters announced their Test retirements within days of each other in May, a development that left Indian cricket reeling. Their departures resulted in the sudden loss of the team’s two most experienced and influential players in the longest format, creating a leadership and experience vacuum ahead of important international assignments.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were forced to retire from Test cricket?

Rohit Sharma’s decision came soon after reports emerged that the BCCI selectors were considering removing him from the Test captaincy ahead of the England tour, lending context to his announcement. Virat Kohli’s retirement, however, took many by surprise, as there had been no public indication of his intention to step away. Uthappa’s comments have reignited debate among fans and experts, with many continuing to speculate about the factors that may have influenced the timing and nature of the two high-profile exits.

In Virat Kohli’s case, several reports suggested that the BCCI made efforts to persuade him to rethink his decision and continue playing Test cricket. According to those accounts, the board was keen for Kohli to remain part of the red-ball setup, given his experience, leadership qualities, and importance to the team’s transition phase. However, despite these attempts, Kohli ultimately chose to step away from the longest format.

Adding further intrigue to the situation, Sarandeep Singh, Kohli’s coach with the Delhi state team, offered a contrasting perspective. He stated that until just a few months before the retirement announcement, Virat Kohli appeared highly motivated and deeply invested in his preparation. Singh revealed that Kohli had been training intensely and focusing on improving his game with the upcoming England tour in mind. These remarks strengthened the belief that the decision may not have been long planned, fueling speculation about what may have prompted the sudden change in direction at such a late stage.

“I don’t know if it was a forced surrender, but it definitely didn’t seem like a natural exit. What the truth is, they themselves will have to share in their own time. But I don’t think it was natural," stated former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa. 
  
“When Rohit was not scoring runs in Australia, I felt that he should take a break for six months and work on his fitness. I had no doubt in my mind that he would score runs," he added. 

With their Test careers now behind them, the two senior stalwarts have shifted their attention entirely toward the ODI format, channeling their energy and experience into extending their white-ball careers. Both veterans are understood to be highly motivated to remain in contention for India’s plans in the 50-over game, with the World Cup 2027 emerging as a clear long-term target. Rather than relying solely on reputation, they have opted to stay actively involved in competitive cricket to maintain form and match sharpness.

An important part of that approach has been their participation in domestic tournaments, where they have been putting in consistent effort to stay connected with the game’s grassroots structure. By playing domestic cricket, they aim to demonstrate fitness, hunger, and adaptability, while also sending a message to selectors about their commitment to earning selection on merit.

This renewed focus reflects a pragmatic shift in priorities as they look to prolong their international careers in a single format. With India likely to undergo a transitional phase in the coming years, their experience could still prove valuable in guiding younger players. For now, both players appear determined to keep pushing themselves, with the World Cup 2027 firmly in their sights as a defining goal.

“In both Virat and Rohit, you can see that hunger back in their eyes, which is really cool. It’s endearing to see it from a veteran who’s been there, done that, and achieved so much in international cricket," Uthappa concluded.