Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both announced their retirements within days of one another, shocking former India coach and bowling great Anil Kumble. He said that Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired last year, and the batting partnership deserved to say goodbye with a “proper send-off” on the pitch.

In the midst of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in December, Ashwin announced his retirement from all international cricket. Due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, Rohit hung up his Test boots on May 7 and Kohli joined them only five days later, on May 12, during the IPL 2025 break.

On ESPNcricinfo, Kumble said, “It is a very quiet exit”.” I believe on the pitch, each player has the right to go on his own terms. We also discussed this when R. Ashwin declared his retirement and returned to India from Australia in the midst of the series. Virat Kohli came after Rohit Sharma a few days ago. All three of them, in my opinion, deserved a dignified farewell on the field. That is something that I really feel has to be addressed by those who matter. I am aware that we live in a social media era, and although it is true that fans would have wanted to attend, there would have been a large crowd and a heartfelt farewell.

Kohli would have “considered” the choice, Kumble said.

It is rather unexpected. After only a few days, two exceptional, fantastic players are retiring. I didn’t anticipate it. It’s definitely taken me by surprise. Particularly at the Test level, I believed he had a few more years left in him,” Kumble said. He now only plays in the ODI format. He said, “I’m sure he would have considered this, and in the end, it’s the player’s decision. No player ever leaves with any regrets.”

They will start the team’s shift to youth and will not play in the five-Test series against England, which starts in June. It has been suggested that Shubman Gill would succeed Rohit as captain.

The England series would be difficult for India without Rohit and Kohli, according to Kumble.

Virat is perhaps India’s most successful captain, and you would have preferred one of the two to be present. Rohit has resigned after serving as captain for some time. It will be a five-test match, and England will be difficult. The selectors must have been taken aback as well, in my opinion. The selectors would have undoubtedly sought him out.