Ashwin Rohit Kohli Test retirement 2025 : In what can only be described as an emotional and unexpected turn of events, Indian cricket has lost three of its biggest Test stalwarts—Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli—within a mere 146 days. The catalyst? A disastrous Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series that seemingly triggered the unthinkable.
Ashwin Rohit Kohli Test retirement 2025 : Ashwin, Rohit, and Kohli Retire from Test Cricket in 2025 After Poor BGT Series
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A Timeline of Shocks: The Collapse of India’s Core
It all began on December 18, 2024, when Ravichandran Ashwin abruptly announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, just after the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. While fans hoped this was a one-off, what followed left the cricketing world stunned.
Despite continuing to play the full BGT series, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli suffered terrible runs with the bat. Rohit could only muster 31 runs in 5 innings, while Kohli, India’s once-reliable run machine, scored a disappointing 190 runs in 9 innings at an average of 23.75. Ashwin, shockingly, managed just one wicket in the entire series.
Fast forward to May 7, 2025—Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket. Just five days later, Virat Kohli followed suit, formally confirming his departure from the format, catching everyone off-guard just weeks before the all-important England tour.
The Fallout: Was It Just About Performance?
On the surface, poor performances in Australia seem like reason enough for the trio’s decision. But reports suggest a deeper issue—tensions with the BCCI and head coach Gautam Gambhir may have pushed the veterans to walk away.
Kohli’s decision, in particular, is puzzling. He returned to play the Ranji Trophy after 13 years—a clear sign of commitment to red-ball cricket. But his sudden retirement, despite the BCCI’s supposed plan to appoint him as captain for the England series, hints at discontent.
According to sources, Kohli was not happy with the way Rohit Sharma was treated in Australia, especially when he was allegedly told to sit out the final Test. Speculation suggests Kohli feared a similar fate and chose to retire on his own terms rather than be pushed.
The End of an Era
With Ashwin, Rohit, and Kohli gone, Indian Test cricket enters a new chapter. Only Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja remain from the veteran core. The responsibility now falls on the next generation—Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and others—to carry the legacy forward.
But one thing is certain: Indian cricket will never be the same without Ash-Ro-Ko—three modern-day legends whose sudden exit marks the end of a golden era.
FAQs
Why did Virat Kohli retire from Test cricket suddenly?
While his performance was below expectations in the BGT series, reports suggest internal BCCI politics and dissatisfaction with team management played a key role.
What was the reason behind Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement?
Rohit’s retirement came unexpectedly. Though he denied any plans to retire earlier, sources say he may have been nudged by selectors after the Australia tour.
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