When Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket within a span of five days in May 2025, the Indian cricket world was left in shock and nostalgia. While emotions ran high among fans, former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey believes the decision was timely and rooted in self-awareness.
No Five Years Left for Kohli in Tests: Mhambrey
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Mhambrey asserted that Kohli didn’t have another five years of red-ball cricket in him. While Kohli’s fitness levels remained unmatched, Mhambrey highlighted how players of such stature know when they can’t give a hundred percent anymore.
“Virat didn’t have five years of Test cricket left in him. You knew that, right? They must have realised it was time,” Mhambrey said.
Rohit and Kohli Stepped Away Selflessly
Both Kohli and Rohit are known for their high-intensity performances. Mhambrey suggested that once they felt unable to maintain those standards or lacked motivation for the format, stepping away was the selfless and correct decision.
“They’ve always given their best. When they felt they couldn’t, they made the call. That’s how much they value Test cricket,” he added.
Career Snapshot: Kohli and Rohit in Tests
- Virat Kohli
- Matches: 113
- Runs: 8900+
- Avg: 49.29
- Centuries: 29 | Fifties: 30
- Double tons: 7 (Most by an Indian captain)
- Best Score: 254* vs South Africa
- Rohit Sharma
- Debuted with twin centuries in 2013
- Cemented place as opener from 2019
- Recent struggles led to exclusion in final Australia Test
Selectors, Form Prompted Retirement
While Kohli’s dip in form and vulnerability outside off stump became more apparent in recent years, Rohit’s run drought, especially against Australia and New Zealand, was equally worrying. Ahead of the England series, selectors reportedly communicated their intention to move forward with a new captain, prompting Rohit’s decision.
‘Sometimes the Grind Isn’t Worth It’
Mhambrey echoed the sentiment that retirement wasn’t purely performance-based but also mental and motivational.
“If I’m not there 100%, I’d rather be honest and say I’ll focus on the format I can give more to,” he said.
India Will Miss Kohli, Rohit & Ashwin
The retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin earlier during the Australia series added to the vacuum. Mhambrey acknowledged that all three will leave a significant gap in India’s red-ball leadership and experience.
“We’ll miss Ash, man, I’m telling you. All three of them will be missed,” Mhambrey concluded.
Final Word
India may now be entering a transitional phase under Shubman Gill’s Test captaincy, but the legacies of Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin will continue to shape Indian cricket for years to come. Their exits mark the end of an era—but also the dawn of a new one.
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