Rohit retired for pressure, BCCI did not convince Kohli

Former India cricket team Test captain Rohit Sharma was forced to retire as he was under pressure from the selectors, a report has revealed. The Hitman took everyone by surprise by abruptly retiring from the longest format of the game last week. In what was another blow to India, Virat Kohli too followed the former’s footsteps in deciding to step away from Tests as well.

Selectors were unsure about Rohit’s spot

As per Times of India, a source claimed that the selectors weren’t in favour of taking Rohit to England, which prompted him to announce his retirement. As per the report, the selectors weren’t sure about his spot in the side after he informed that he would only play a couple of Tests in the series.

“Rohit was under pressure as the selectors weren’t sure about his spot once he conveyed that he would only play two Tests in the England tour,” the source said.

“Didn’t ask anyone to convince Kohli”

Brushing aside reports of the BCCI asking a former cricketer to convince Virat to reconsider his decision, the source claimed that no such move was made by the BCCI. Echoing earlier reports, the source claimed that the Kohli’s move to retire abruptly was his decision alone.

“In the case of Virat, it was his decision alone. We did not ask any former cricketer to convince Virat to change his decision,” the source added.

Ro-Ko’s Grade A+ contracts to continue

With their retirement from Tests, Rohit and Kohli will now only be active in ODIs. They duo retired from T20Is in 2024 after winning the World Cup. On Wednesday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the duo’s Grade A+ BCCI central contract will continue.

“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s grade A+ contract will continue even after both announced retirement from T- 20 and Test Matches. They are still part of Indian cricket, they will get all facilities of Grade A+,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said.