Last May, just ahead of India’s tour of England, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shocked everyone by suddenly announcing their retirement from Test cricket. Since then, there have been many theories surrounding the Test retirement of two of India’s biggest icons.

The blame game surrounding the Test retirements of Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir or Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Many blamed selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir for their sudden exit from Test matches, but former India pacer Sudeep Tyagi stepped in to clear up the misunderstanding and calm their anger amid rumors that they too will be dropped from ODIs.

Tyagi made it clear that Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli were not forcibly removed from the Test team. He vehemently refuted all claims that coaches or selectors were planning to oust the two legends, stressing that the stories were just rumors and had no basis in fact.

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Sudeep Tyagi denies all sacking rumors

He explained that differences of opinion between players, coaches and selectors are normal in sport and it does not mean anyone has bad intentions. Tyagi believes that such discussions often help teams make better collective decisions, which is exactly what happened in this case.

Sudeep Tyagi said in an article CricketAddictor Exclusive Interview“No, I don’t think so. These are rumors. They deleted them and it’s all nonsense. It’s not like that at all. It’s possible that sometimes you don’t share your opinion with anyone. It doesn’t mean they look down on you.”

Private calls received by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

The former CSK bowler believes that the final call was taken by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma himself. He stressed that no selector or coach has the right to remove a player from the team if he continues to perform well, terming all claims as nonsense.

Tyagi further explained, “When you have different opinions, good results come from the collective. I think that’s what happened. At that time, they were not in that good shape. Everyone knew it. They were struggling, but it’s not the same as the coach and selectors removing Virat and Rohit or asking them to leave. It’s nonsense. It was their personal and personal decision. I think they must have spoken to the selectors or Gowti Bhai.”

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Tyagi feels Kohli and Rohit exited Test too early

However, Tyagi feels that the decision to retire has come earlier than expected as he believes Kohli can easily play another 40-50 Test matches, considering his impressive fitness, quick running between the wickets and high energy on the field.

He also felt that Rohit could have played 30 to 40 more Test matches. The former bowler also pointed out that no one can remove them from the team even if they don’t play domestic cricket.

Doors open for Rohit and Kohli at World Cup 2027: Tyagi

Talking about the 2027 World Cup, Tyagi said that if Rohit and Kohli stay healthy and continue to score goals, their status in the team cannot be questioned. He noted that performance and fitness are the only real filters at international level. As long as the player performs well, his position is safe.

He concluded: “I hope they can play in two World Cups. But now it is 2027. So, the most important thing for them now is health and performance.”