New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar expressed surprise at the retirement of Stallwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who batted with Test cricket, admitting that they hope to stay away from the pair after England’s upcoming tour, which starts on 20 June.Rohit and Kohli, who announced their test retirement earlier this month, continued in Odis, left a significant void in the Indian trial side before the New World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which has closed with a high-stake series in England.“Both have excellent and great cricketers, and their contribution to Indian cricket is huge. I was surprised as there is a five -Test tour tour. I thought after the tour of England, they could call it a day, but they liked it before the tour of England. Then I think this is his call, “said Vengsarkar.Kohli finished his red-ball career at an average of 46.85 in 123 matches with 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 fifty. Rohit concluded his test trip with 4,301 runs out of 67 matches, with 12 centuries and 18 half -centuries at an average of 40.57.
The pair retired from the T20 IS in June 2024 after guiding India for the men’s T20 World Cup title with a win over South Africa.“Both are experienced players, and they have done so well in England on every tour, so this is a big disadvantage. Then, if you see that other players have done well for India’s team in first -class cricket in India, they will get an opportunity to play and establish themselves in the Indian team.”With Rohit stepping down, India will now need a new captain for a challenging five-observer chain in England.Asked that the vacancies left by Rohit and Kohli in the Test squad could be potentially filled, Vengsarkar postponed the selectors.“It is difficult to say who will take their place because they are (Ajit Agkar) and as the company they are selectors. They are observing the FC match (Iranian Cup, Ranji Trophy, Dalip Trophy), and I think it’s all for them (selectors).”
Vengsarkar also praised Shreyas Iyer for his consistent form. The Iyer Champions Trophy was impressive in 2025, scoring 243 runs in five matches of 48.60. He continued his purple patch in IPL 2025, leading the Punjab Kings to his first playoff attendance in 11 years.In doing so, Iyer made history by becoming the first captain to guide three separate franchisees in the IPL playoffs, Daily Capital in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and now Punjab Kings.Iyer has so far scored 435 runs in IPL 2025, including two half -centuries.“He is a good player, there is no question about it and he has been very good over the years,” he is an experienced player, “the veteran said whether the current form of the Iar can help him step into the Space by Kohli in T20 Eye and Test format.
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