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Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth accused the BCCI of leaving a communication gap with both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli about their Test retirements. Both Rohit and Virat shocked the cricketing world by announcing their retirements from the longest format earlier this year in May. The former was the first to call time on his career and just a ffew days later, the latter followed suit.
Both the batting greats left red-ball cricket without even playing a farewell match, leading to speculations that the BCCI didn't properly communicate with the duo regarding their Test retirements. Srikkanth was critical of the Indian cricket board for not giving a proper send-off to both Rohit and Virat despite their massive contributions for the Indian team in the longest format.
"If you play 100 Tests for your country, you must be a terrific cricketer. So you should be given a good send-off. I am convinced there was a big communication gap when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired. They should have spoken to them, but instead, this is not a good look for the game and Indian cricket," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
Srikkanth further remarked that Virat still had two years of Test cricket left in him and added that it will be very difficult for India to have a player like him in their team again.
"Virat Kohli's retirement happened just like that. Virat Kohli deserved a better send-off. He still had two years of Test cricket left in him. But because we drew in England, such talks about him got shut off. However, India will find it difficult to get a cricketer like Virat Kohli for some time," he added.
Srikkanth brought Pujara into the argument as well
The former batter didn't stop there and pointed out how Cheteshwar Pujara also retired without playing a farewell Test. Srikkanth further added that the BCCI should have cooperated with the player and should have given him a fitting send-off.
"Similarly with Pujara, though it's been a while since he played for India, they should have spoken to him also about his retirement plans. Of course, the player also has to cooperate and realise when their time is up. Had that happened, Pujara would have got a better send-off. But it's a matter of cooperation between the player, selectors and the BCCI," Srikkanth concluded.
Meanwhile, both Rohit and Virat are likely to be seen in action in India's upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia which will commence from October 19.
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