They deserved on-field send-off: Anil Kumble on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's Test retirements

Anil Kumble, Virat Kohli (Pic: File Pic)

The immediate retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the Test series against England came as a huge surprise to former Team India captain Anil Kumble.

He feels that the duo deserved an on-field farewell.

"Right now, Rohit Sharma a few days ago and then Virat Kohli. I think all three (Rohit, Virat and Ravichandran Ashwin) of them deserved a proper send off on the field. I strongly believe people who matter need to address that. I know it is a social media age, yes the fans want to be there, there would have been plenty of fans and have a roaring send off," said Kumble on ESPNCricinfo.

Virat Kohli on Monday drew curtains on his illustrious Test career of 14 years. He represented India in 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs with an average of 46.85. The veteran also had 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries to his name in the format.

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His decision came after the retirement of Rohit Sharma. Further speaking on Kohli, the former cricketer feels that the 36-year-old had a few more years left in him.

"It is a huge surprise. Two outstanding, great players retiring on the back of few days. I didn't see it coming. It has certainly caught me off guard. I thought he has a few more years left in him, especially at the Test level," said Kumble.

"He's playing only the ODI format now. No player leaves with any regret and I am sure he would have thought through this and ultimately it is the player's call," added the 54-year-old.

Kumble, who ended as India's leading Test wicket-taker with 619 scalps, said players of such stature should have been given an opportunity to bow out in front of fans.

"It is a very quiet exit. Every player deserves to leave on his terms, but I think on the field. We spoke about this when R Ashwin retired as well, right in the middle of the series, he announced his retirement and came back (to India from Australia)".

Ahead of the five-match Test series, legendary Team India bowlers stated that the retirements of two stalwarts would have also come as a surprise for the selectors as well.

"Rohit has retired, he had been captain for a while and Virat is probably the most accomplished captain for India and you would have wanted one of the guys to be around. England is going to be tough, it is a five-Test... I think it must have come as a surprise to the selectors as well. I'm sure the selectors would have looked to pursue him," Kumble concluded.

(With PTI Inputs)