Former India cricketer Yograj Singh believes that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who recently announced their retirements from Test cricket, need to revoke their decision in order to 'save' the country's team in the format.
The Indian team is set to tour England in June
The Men in Blue are set to tour England for a five-match Test series which is set to commence from June 20 and the absence of the two senior-most players may turn out to hurt the team badly.
Yograj, who has trained current Indian players like Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma believes that this is not the time for Rohit and Virat to think about themselves as the team needs them. Yograj further stated that if the former starts training with him, then he will make sure that he gets back to peak fitness.
"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli must return from retirement to save Indian Test cricket. This is not the time to think about themselves - it's about the nation, the fans, and the deep emotions people have for the game. Virat still has at least ten years of cricket left in him. As for Rohit, if he comes to me, I will make sure he gets back in peak fitness," Yograj told IANS.
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The former India cricketer believes that the BCCI must act like a parent and should protect and support their players rather than letting politics interfere with key decisions.
"Back in 2011, players like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Virender Sehwag were dropped without any clear reason. When Yuvraj retired, I scolded him - I told him not to give in to pressure. He was, and still is, incredibly fit. Cricketers should fight for their place in the team instead of surrendering to external pressures. The BCCI must act like a parent - protect and support their players, not let ego or politics dictate decisions," Yograj added.
Furthermore, the 67-year-old said that he told his son, Yuvraj Singh to call Kohli and tell him to not retire from the longest format as he may end up regretting his decision later on.
"I told Yuvi to call Virat and tell him, 'Don't make the same mistake I did'. I'm certain they'll (Rohit and Virat) look back and regret it a few years down the line. Because one day, the frustration will inevitably surface — but what will be the point then?" Yograj concluded.
It will be interesting to see as to who will replace the duo of Rohit and Virat in India's playing XI in the upcoming Test assignment against England. Not only this, the BCCI will also have to choose the player who will succeed the former as India's next Test skipper ahead of the important five-match series which is set to kick-off the new World Test Championship cycle.