“Did Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Retire?” BCCI Hits Back Upon Request For Sachin Tendulkar-like Farewell

The future of Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has once again become the center of heated discussions after reports suggested that fans and some sections of the cricket fraternity were seeking a farewell series for the duo—similar to the one given to Sachin Tendulkar in 2013. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, has made its stance clear, shutting down retirement speculation and emphasizing that neither player has announced their exit.

The Rumors Around Retirement

The buzz began after India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad was announced, which notably excluded both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With selectors opting for a younger squad built on IPL 2025 performances, questions started circulating: Had the two stalwarts silently retired? Were they being pushed out by the management?

Social media was flooded with emotional posts, with many urging the BCCI to plan a grand farewell series—a gesture that cricket lovers still cherish from Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell during his 200th Test in Mumbai.

BCCI Responds to Speculation

Reacting to the wave of rumors, a senior BCCI official clarified:

• No official retirement has been communicated by either Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma.
• The selectors are currently focusing on building a squad for the future, but that doesn’t mean careers of senior players are over.
• A farewell, like Tendulkar’s, can only be planned when a player himself communicates his decision to retire.

The official bluntly stated: “The BCCI cannot decide retirements. It is up to players like Virat and Rohit to make that call. Until then, comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell are unnecessary.”

Kohli and Rohit’s Current Status

• Virat Kohli, at 36, remains one of India’s most reliable Test batsmen and continues to maintain top fitness levels. Despite a lean patch in limited-overs cricket, he has not given any indication of stepping down.
• Rohit Sharma, 38, recently led India in the World Test Championship cycle and is still considered a key figure in guiding youngsters. His absence in the Asia Cup squad is being viewed as part of the transition strategy, not a sign of retirement.

Both players are expected to feature in select formats, especially Test cricket, where their experience is considered invaluable.

Why Tendulkar’s Farewell Was Different

Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell was unique because:

1. He had officially announced retirement from international cricket in advance.
2. The BCCI organized a two-Test series against the West Indies, with his 200th and final Test played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, giving fans a chance to bid farewell.
3. It marked the end of a 24-year-long career that had already reached its natural conclusion.

In contrast, Kohli and Rohit have not declared retirement, making it premature for BCCI to organize such an event.

What Lies Ahead for Indian Cricket?

With India focusing on building a youth-driven squad for upcoming ICC tournaments, fans may see reduced appearances from senior stars. However, instead of interpreting this as retirement, experts suggest viewing it as a transition phase.

Cricket analysts believe that if either Kohli or Rohit decides to hang up their boots, the BCCI will ensure that the farewell matches are organized with the same grandeur and respect as Sachin’s.

The speculation around the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has more to do with fan emotions than actual facts. For now, the BCCI has categorically denied any such development, emphasizing that both legends remain active cricketers.

Until the two decide to call time on their careers, the cricketing fraternity will continue to watch them with hope—waiting for that one last cover drive from Kohli or another effortless pull shot from Rohit. Their farewell, when it comes, will undoubtedly be as historic as the journeys they have lived.