Legends depart without much ado

Indian cricket giants Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from the Test format. The two cricket legends will henceforth adorn Indian jerseys only in the ODI format of the game. Virat and Rohit were India’s answer to ‘Who after Sachin Tendulkar’. The duo inspired millions not just with their batting on the pitch but also with charisma and leadership.

Rohit announced his decision only after he learned from the selectors that he would not be made captain for the England tour. Virat had informed the selectors about his retirement two weeks ago. However, BCCI suggested that he complete the swansong with the England tour. Virat didn't go with the plan and held firm to his decision to hang up the boots.

After a 14-year Test career that began at Kingston West Indies, Virat called it a day on Monday. The Delhi-born cricketer is the captain who gifted India the most Test victories.

Under his leadership, India won 40 of the 68 Tests. His last Test was against Australia in Sydney in January this year. Virat had scored 30 centuries in Tests, including seven double centuries and was 770 runs away from reaching the milestone of 10,000 runs in Test cricket.

When Sachin stepped down in 2014, many pointed Virat to be his rightful successor. Virat, who gave wings to those hopes, bravely took over the captaincy when Dhoni stepped down midway through an Australian tour. The aggressive player even had no qualms to relinquish the captaincy when he was brutally targeted by critics over his poor form. Virat stepped down from captaincy paving the way for Rohit to helm affairs.

Virat embodied Sachin's talent with Ganguly’s ‘no nonsense’ leadership skills. Till retirement, Virat remained the most Greek and best-fit player in the squad. The retirements of Rohit and Virat were sudden but not entirely unexpected. The infallibility of the seniors was questioned when India lost three consecutive Tests against New Zealand last year.

The next World Test Championship matches will begin with the tour of England in June. The Indian team's journey begins without Rohit and Virat.

The best performers in domestic cricket like Sarfraz Khan, Karun Nair, Yash Rathod, Shubham Sharma, Tanmay Agarwal, Danish Malewar, and Sanju Samson, will now likely be called for national duty. It is rather odd to note that both Virat and Rohit, legends of Indian cricket, are bidding adieu without even waiting for a farewell match.

After Sachin Tendulkar, no player has had a proper farewell from the Indian team. It seems to imply that things are not well as seen in the façade. It would be apt if BCCI ponder over this matter for posterity. Until that day comes, cricket enthusiasts across the globe can find solace in watching the duo flaunt their masterclass in just one format.