Sunil Gavaskar, a former Indian opener, said he is not surprised by Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket because Team India had to make major adjustments following a disastrous tour of Australia. On Monday, May 12, Kohli declared his retirement from the longest format of the game.
The Sydney Test that was the fifth Test against Australia emerged as Kohli’s last game for India. Reports came on Saturday, May 10, that the 36-year-old had informed the BCCI of his retirement from Test cricket. The veteran took to a lengthy Instagram post to officially announce his decision on Monday.
Gavaskar stated in an interview with India Today regarding Kohli’s retirement:
“To play or not play is an individual decision. But I’m not surprised because I thought after what happened in Australia, there were going to be massive changes. So I’m not surprised he decided to call it a day.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Virat Kohli leaves as India’s fourth-highest Test run-getter, with 9230 runs at 46.85, including 30 hundreds. With 40 victories in 68 Test matches, including a historic series win in Australia, he is also India’s most successful Test captain.
“Those boots are massive to fill” – Sunil Gavaskar on Virat Kohli
Gavaskar, who views Kohli as a prolific run scorer in all three formats, acknowledged when asked if it would be challenging for India to replace the veteran. The 125-Test veteran thinks a few players would try out for the position, but India won’t be able to find a successor right away. Gavaskar stated:
“Definitely. He has been a colossal presence. He is a colossus as far as run-scoring is concerned. In all formats of the game – not just Tests, but one-dayers and T20s too – he has been phenomenal. Since the time he made his debut, what he has done, what he has achieved for Indian cricket and what he has contributed to world cricket is unbelievable. Those boots are massive to fill. It’s not going to be easy for someone to come in and bat at that position. You could possibly see a couple of players coming in and going at that No. 4 spot.”
Sunil Gavaskar
The BCCI will also need to select a new Test captain because Rohit Sharma is also leaving the format. When the Indian team goes to England for a five-match series next month, their batting lineup will be inexperienced.
