Three of the brightest stars—Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin—have walked away from Test cricket, leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of fans and the Indian cricket team. This recent cricket retirement in 2025 marks the end of an era, stirring emotions from shock to sadness across the globe. For the everyday fan, it’s like losing the soul of a team that dominated for over a decade. Let’s explore how the cricket world is reacting to this monumental loss, what lies ahead, and why these retirements hit so hard. Continue reading the blog by Spinmatch cricket enthusiasts who have curated a detailed review on this retirement controversy.
The Sudden End of a Golden Era
On May 7, Rohit Sharma took to social media to declare his retirement from Test cricket, shocking fans who cherished his effortless batting and steady leadership. Five days later, Virat Kohli dropped another bombshell, virat announcing his retirement from Test cricket on Instagram. The timing was brutal, with a high-stakes Test series against England just weeks away. Add to that R Ashwin’s unexpected retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia last December(2024), and the Indian cricket team is left grappling with the loss of three titans.
For fans, this isn’t just about players retiring; it’s about losing the essence of a team that defined Indian cricket. Virat Kohli brought unmatched passion, charging up the field like a warrior. Rohit Sharma was the calm captain, steering the team through chaos with grace. R Ashwin, the master spinner, outwitted opponents with his cunning and chipped in with gritty runs. Their departures signal a new chapter, and the cricket universe is struggling to come to terms with it.
Fans and Players Feel the Void
The recent cricket retirement in 2025 has sparked an outpouring of grief. Social media is awash with tributes—videos of Virat Kohli’s blazing cover drives, Rohit Sharma’s lazy sixes, and R Ashwin’s magical deliveries. One fan’s heartfelt cry to Virat Kohli—“I will not watch cricket now because you retired”—echoes the pain of millions. Internationally, The New York Times lauded Virat Kohli for “making one billion Indians dream again and saving Test cricket.” Mike Atherton called him “one of the most charismatic players,” comparing him to Viv Richards and Imran Khan.
R Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, admitted he was blindsided. “I didn’t have an idea both [Rohit and Kohli] would retire together,” he said, dubbing it the dawn of the “Gautam Gambhir era.” Having retired with 537 Test wickets and 3,503 runs, R Ashwin felt Virat Kohli had “one or two more years” left and believed Rohit Sharma should have played the England series for leadership stability. He also hinted that Rohit Sharma could have reached 100 Tests if not for an early career injury.
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Anushka Sharma’s Emotional Words
Anushka Sharma’s tribute to Virat Kohli added a deeply personal layer to the Virat test retirement. In an Instagram post, she wrote, “I’ll remember the tears you never showed,” shedding light on the struggles he hid behind his bold persona. “I’ve seen immense growth around you and within you,” she said, praising his authenticity: “Pretence is your foe, and that makes you great in my eyes.” Anushka highlighted his dedication, recalling his quiet moments of pain after defeats, and noted that their daughter would learn from his journey.
Her words resonated with fans, humanizing a cricketing giant. For many, Anushka’s note was a reminder that Virat Kohli wasn’t just a superstar but a man who carried immense pressure with grace.
Honoring Ashwin’s Legacy
R Ashwin’s retirement is a massive loss in itself. His wife, Prithi Narayanan, wrote a touching tribute, calling him her “all-time favourite cricketer.” “From not knowing how to put a kit bag together to following you to stadiums all over the world, it has been an absolute pleasure,” she shared on Instagram. She urged him to embrace life post-cricket, from creating new bowling variations to spending time with family. With 537 Test wickets, 3,503 runs, and six centuries, R Ashwin leaves a towering legacy. His mid-series retirement in Australia stunned fans, but his impact endures.
Why Did Kohli Retire? Kaif’s Take
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif offered a sobering perspective on Virat test retirement. He believes Virat Kohli wanted to continue, pointing to his recent Ranji Trophy appearance as proof of his commitment. However, Kaif suggested that “internal talks with the BCCI” and doubts about his form over the past 5-6 years may have pushed him out. “He may not have gotten the support he thought he would get,” Kaif told IANS, hinting at a lack of backing from selectors.
Kaif also noted a shift in Virat Kohli’s batting during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His tendency to chase wide deliveries and edge to slips suggested impatience, a departure from the gritty innings that defined his career. Reports also surfaced that the BCCI considered a younger captain after India’s series loss in Australia, ruling out Virat Kohli for leadership. This, Kaif believes, combined with “self-realization” about his Test form, led to his exit.
The Leadership Crisis and Captaincy Debate
The retirements have created a “leadership vacuum,” as R Ashwin put it, thrusting the Indian cricket team into uncharted territory. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma gone, the BCCI must name a new Test captain for the England series. Jasprit Bumrah, who led India to a win in Australia as a stand-in captain, is R Ashwin’s pick. “He deserves the captaincy,” Ashwin said, though he acknowledged selectors would weigh Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness as a pacer.
Media reports, however, suggest Shubman Gill is a frontrunner, despite Jasprit Bumrah’s experience. The choice is critical, as Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, takes charge of a young squad.
The Future: ODIs and Beyond
While Virat test retirement and Rohit Sharma’s exit close their Test chapters, both plan to focus on ODIs and the 2027 ICC World Cup. Gautam Gambhir supports their continuation in limited-overs cricket if they stay fit, a view shared by Sunil Gavaskar, who tied their futures to the 2027 World Test Championship plans. Virat Kohli will also play in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, giving fans a chance to see him in action.
The Indian cricket team, however, faces a steep challenge. R Ashwin warned that experience is irreplaceable on tours like England, where Jasprit Bumrah will likely lead a novice squad. The five-Test series, starting June 20, will test the team’s mettle under Gautam Gambhir’s guidance.
A New Dawn Amid Grief
The recent cricket retirement of 2025 of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin has left the cricket world in mourning. From Anushka’s heartfelt note to R Ashwin’s blunt insights, the reactions reflect the profound impact of these legends. The Indian cricket team now looks to Jasprit Bumrah and Gautam Gambhir to lead it forward.
For fans, it’s a time of sorrow but also hope. The memories of Virat Kohli’s fiery spirit, Rohit Sharma’s elegance, and R Ashwin’s brilliance will live on. As the Indian cricket team gears up for England, fans will cheer for the new generation, trusting they’ll honor the legacy. For updates on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and more, platforms like Spinmatch cricket updates keep fans in the loop. The cricket universe may be grieving, but it’s ready for what’s next.