Yograj Singh Laments Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Retirements: ‘No One Left to Inspire Youngsters’
As Indian cricket embarks on a transformative journey following the Test retirements of modern greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, former cricketer Yograj Singh has expressed profound concern over the void left by their departures. In a heartfelt interview with ANI, Yograj, father of Indian cricket icon Yuvraj Singh, painted a somber picture of the future, emphasizing the loss of mentorship for the next generation.
Yograj didn’t hold back on the magnitude of Kohli’s exit, stating, ‘Virat is a colossal figure in cricket, and his retirement is an undeniable blow to the sport in India.’ Kohli, who amassed over 8,000 runs in Test cricket at an average of 49.15, including 27 centuries, retired as one of the format’s most prolific batsmen. Similarly, Rohit, with his elegant stroke play and leadership—evidenced by captaining India to numerous victories—leaves behind a legacy of 4,000+ Test runs and a reputation for clutch performances.
Reflecting on past transitions, Yograj drew parallels to the tumultuous period of 2011 when Indian cricket saw a mass exodus of senior players. ‘When stalwarts were either retired or pushed out in 2011, the team crumbled, and we’re yet to fully recover,’ he remarked. He fears a similar fate now, cautioning, ‘If you build a team of only youngsters without guiding figures, it will inevitably falter.’ His words resonate as India looks to balance emerging talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal with the absence of seasoned campaigners.
Despite acknowledging that ‘everyone’s time eventually comes,’ Yograj firmly believes both Kohli and Rohit had more to offer. ‘There’s still a lot of cricket left in them. I feel they could have pushed on for a few more years,’ he said with conviction. This sentiment echoes among fans who witnessed Kohli’s relentless drive and Rohit’s calming presence, especially in high-pressure scenarios like the 2023 ODI World Cup final, even if it ended in heartbreak.
Drawing from personal experience, Yograj referenced his advice to his son Yuvraj Singh during his retirement phase. ‘I told Yuvi, don’t leave the field until you can no longer walk. Retire on your terms, with your head held high,’ he shared. He expressed similar regret for Rohit, suggesting, ‘Rohit just needed a daily push, someone to inspire him to run at 5 AM.’ Comparing Rohit to explosive opener Virender Sehwag, Yograj added, ‘Both retired too early. Legends like them should play into their late 40s or even 50 if their body permits.’
Perhaps his most poignant concern was the lack of motivators for India’s budding stars. ‘I’m deeply saddened by their retirements because no one is left to inspire the youngsters now,’ Yograj concluded. With Kohli’s fiery passion and Rohit’s composed demeanor no longer on the Test field, the responsibility falls on emerging leaders to fill shoes that seem almost impossibly large.
As Indian cricket stands at this crossroads, Yograj Singh’s words serve as both a warning and a call to action. Can the young brigade rise without the guiding light of their predecessors? Only time will tell, but for now, the echoes of Kohli’s cover drives and Rohit’s trademark pull shots will linger in the hearts of fans, a reminder of an era that shaped modern Indian cricket.