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Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said he was surprised to learn about Virat Kohli's retirement fron the longest format of the game. Ganguly respects Kohli and Rohit Sharma's decision to retire from Test cricket ahead of the five-Test series against England.
"Playing or leaving is your own decision. Both Virat and Rohit have left the game of their own free will. Both of them have had incredible careers," Ganguly told Sports Tak on May 17.
Ganguly did not seem surprised by 38-year-old Rohit's decision to hang his boots but expressed he was taken by surprise by Kohli leaving his favourite format as he said, "Yes, I am surprised."
After Rohit's retirement, the big question everyone answered is -- who will be India's next Test captain? So far, it has been speculated that Shubman Gill may lead the side considering the injury concerns around Jasprit Bumrah. Ganguly acknowledges the challenge selectors are facing and wants them to think long-term.
"The selectors will take decisions as per their understanding. A lot must be thought about in terms of captaincy. Long-term thinking. Many are talking about Jasprit Bumrah. There are concerns about his injury. We will have to think about everything together," said the former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president.
On May 17, the Indian Premier League's (IPL) resumption and the frenzy at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium was dampened by rain gods. The match was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to incessant rain.
Ganguly on IPL final being moved out of Kolkata
Meanwhile, there have been reports that the IPL 2025 final will not be hosted at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. KKR have already been ruled out of the tournament and the final has been rescheduled to be played on June 3. Reports have claimed that the final will be hosted at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Ganguly feels that the venue of the final cannot be changed easily and hopes that it goes on as scheduled.
"The final cannot be removed so easily! Efforts are underway to conduct the finals here by CAB. Nothing will be achieved by protesting and marching. Talks are ongoing with the board. CAB is having a great relationship with BCCI. Everything will be fine. I am optimistic, the final will be here," said an optimistic Ganguly.
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