Overview:
Now focused solely on ODIs, the experienced duo are in impressive form and remain committed to the 2027 World Cup.
Robin Uthappa has once again drawn focus to one of the most surprising chapters in recent Indian cricket history, the sudden Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Their modest returns in the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia came during a challenging phase marked by successive series defeats to New Zealand and Australia. Although both featured in the Ranji Trophy following the Australia tour, their time in red ball cricket ended shortly after, with Rohit announcing his decision during the IPL and Kohli following days later, stepping away ahead of India’s crucial tour of England.
At the time, the move was largely viewed as unavoidable. Only days earlier, Rohit Sharma had openly discussed his roadmap for the England series during a chat with Michael Clarke, while Virat Kohli had returned to the domestic circuit through the Ranji Trophy in an effort to rediscover rhythm in the longer format.
Former India opener Robin Uthappa has returned to the topic, indicating that the sequence and circumstances surrounding the retirements did not appear completely natural to him. He added that the complete picture would only emerge if and when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma decide to share their side of the story.
“I can’t say for certain whether it was pushed upon them, but it certainly didn’t feel like a natural exit.Only they can reveal the real reasons when they’re ready, but to me, it didn’t appear to be a natural decision.”
Looking back at Rohit Sharma’s difficult run on the Australia tour, Robin Uthappa offered his take on how the former India captain might have navigated the slump, expressing confidence that Rohit had the game and mindset to bounce back despite the rough spell.
“When Rohit was going through a tough run in Australia, I felt stepping away for around six months to focus on fitness could have helped.I was always confident that once he got things right, the runs would come,” he said
Now focused solely on ODIs, the experienced duo are in impressive form and remain committed to the 2027 World Cup. Their return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy saw them outclass the opposition, reaffirming their authority in the 50-over game.
“You can clearly see the hunger returning in both Virat and Rohit, and that’s great to watch. It’s touching to see players who have already achieved so much at the international level still showing that kind of desire,” Robin Uthappa said.