Robin Uthappa on Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Retirement: 5 Shocking Observations

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has openly questioned the timing of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, suggesting that their exits did not feel completely “natural.” Both senior players announced their retirement from the longest format in May 2025, just weeks before India’s crucial Test tour of England, leaving fans and experts surprised.

Back-to-Back Retirements That Caught Everyone Off Guard

What surprised the cricketing world most was how close the two announcements were. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepped away from Test cricket within days of each other, ending an era for Indian red-ball cricket.

Rohit Sharma announced his decision through a social media post, thanking supporters and confirming that he would continue playing One-Day Internationals. Virat Kohli followed with an emotional statement reflecting on his 14-year Test career, calling the format a defining chapter of his life as a cricketer.

The timing raised questions, especially since Rohit had recently spoken about preparations for the England tour, while Kohli had returned to domestic red-ball cricket to work on his form.

Uthappa Feels the Exits Were Not “Organic”

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Robin Uthappa shared his honest opinion, stating that the retirements did not feel like a natural conclusion to their Test journeys.

Uthappa clarified that only Rohit and Kohli know the real reasons behind their decisions, but from the outside, the situation appeared unusual. He hinted that external pressures may have played a role, even though nothing has been officially confirmed.

According to Uthappa, when players of their stature retire, it usually feels like a gradual transition. In this case, the suddenness made it difficult to believe it was entirely planned.

Rohit Sharma’s Australia Tour and the Missed Break

Uthappa also spoke about Rohit Sharma’s struggles during India’s Australia tour, where the captain went through a rare lean phase with the bat. Instead of pushing through, Uthappa felt Rohit would have benefited from stepping away temporarily.

He suggested that a six-month break focused on fitness and recovery could have helped Rohit return stronger. In Uthappa’s view, Rohit’s talent and ability were never in doubt — it was more about timing, workload, and mental freshness.

A Difficult Phase for Indian Test Cricket

India’s Test team went through a challenging period around the same time. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia did not go as planned, and series losses against New Zealand and Australia increased scrutiny on senior players.

Despite the pressure, both Rohit and Kohli featured in the Ranji Trophy after the Australia tour, which indicated that they were still invested in red-ball cricket. This made their Test retirements even more puzzling for many observers.

Hunger Still Visible in White-Ball Cricket

Although their Test careers have ended, Uthappa believes the fire within both players is far from extinguished. He pointed out the renewed hunger visible in their ODI performances, calling it refreshing to watch.

According to Uthappa, the drive in their eyes suggests unfinished business, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon.

Strong Performances After Test Retirement

Both players have backed up that hunger with performances. Rohit Sharma scored a century and a half-century during the Australia tour and followed it up with consistent runs against South Africa at home.

Virat Kohli, after a quiet start in Australia, bounced back strongly with two consecutive centuries against South Africa. He also returned to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after 15 years, scoring a century against Andhra and a fifty against Gujarat, underlining his commitment to the format.

Questions Linger, But the Passion Remains

Robin Uthappa’s comments have reignited discussion around the circumstances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test retirements. While the complete truth remains known only to the players themselves, the timing continues to invite debate.

What is clear, however, is that both legends remain deeply motivated. Their red-ball chapter may be closed, but their performances in ODIs show that the hunger, discipline, and love for the game are still very much alive.

Also Read - Bengal vs Chandigarh Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26: Toss Update, Playing XI, Match Preview