Former Selector Srikkanth: Kohli Deserved a Royal Send-Off in Test Cricket
Former Indian cricket selector Kris Srikkanth has expressed regret that Virat Kohli did not receive a grand farewell from Test cricket. Kohli, one of India's most celebrated batsmen, retired from the longest format in April, immediately after Rohit Sharma's retirement, and ahead of the marquee series against England.
In an interview with PTI, Srikkanth said: 'I think Virat Kohli should have played the Test series in England, in my opinion. He is a different level. It is not about age. He’s got the passion, aggression; he’s simply amazing.'
Srikkanth added: 'In T20 cricket, he is amazing, in IPL as well. Against England, in that series, Virat should have gone, frankly speaking. I think they should have given him a royal send-off. For someone who has done so much for Indian cricket, they should have given him a royal send-off in Test cricket. Unfortunately, it did not happen.'
Kohli's Test career had seen a dip in form during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which may have influenced his decision. The 35-year-old finishes with over 9,000 runs in Tests, including 29 centuries, and led India to numerous memorable victories.
Srikkanth's comments reflect a sentiment shared by many fans and experts who wished to see Kohli bid farewell in front of a home crowd or against a traditional rival. However, retirement decisions remain personal, and Kohli chose to step away quietly.
