"The old order must change": Navjot Sidhu's take on Virat Kohli's Test retirement speculations

Navjot Singh Sidhu and Virat Kohli. Pics/Yogen Shah, AFP

Former Team India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu raises eyebrows on Virat Kohli's intention to draw curtains on his Test career ahead of the series against England.

Speaking on Kohli's intention to hang boots in the red-ball format, Sidhu took to his official social media handle by saying, "Virat Kohli's decision that he wants to retire has created a stir across the cricketing world. His intention is right, his motive is noble - that ‘the old order must change, yielding place to the new'". Taking to X:

There have been talks about Kohli communicating his decision to retire from the longest format of the game to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

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However, the BCCI is trying to convince the stalwart to reconsider his intention as Team India will kick start its upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with the Test series against England.

Further speaking, the 61-year-old former cricketer feels that the timing of Kohli to announce his retirement from the format is inappropriate.

"But the timing and occasion are not appropriate, because the pride and prestige of India are on the line. We are heading into a tour that is the toughest litmus test even for other Test-playing nations," he added.

Recently, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the five-match series against the "Three Lions". Considering Rohit's move to step away from the format, Sindhu feels India can't send an inexperienced side to England if Kohli, too, decides to retire.

"Why do I say Kohli can be our knight in shining armour in England? Because he has the experience, especially after Rohit Sharma's departure. You can't send an inexperienced side to England," Sidhu added.

Virat Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has represented India in 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. He also led India in 68 Tests, making him the country's most successful captain in the format. His intensity, fitness, and leadership transformed India into a dominant Test side both at home and overseas.

India will lock horns with England for the five-match Test series, which will kick start from June 20 onwards.

(With IANS Inputs)