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Several fans and experts had blamed BCCI for the early Test retirement of superstar Virat Kohli. Several of them are of the opinion that despite being super fit and fine, Kohli was forced to announce his retirement from the longest format of the game so soon because of the indecisiveness of BCCI.
Speculations were rife in the cricketing circle that Kohli was promised to return as the captain of the Indian Test team in the upcoming Test series against England. However, BCCI didn't keep its words forcing Kohli to announce his retirement so soon.
In response, BCCI broke its silence over the matter recently. India chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Kohli had conveyed his decision to retire from Test cricket back in early April, weeks before making it public in May.
The confirmation came during the squad announcement for India's five-Test series in England, where Agarkar addressed the recent retirement calls made by both Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Agarkar clarified that the decision to step away from the longest format was entirely Kohli’s, and neither the selectors nor the board influenced it.
"When guys like that retire, always big holes to fill. Ashwin also retired. Those three have been stalwarts. Always difficult. One way of looking at it is, opportunity for someone else. Had conversations with both of them," said Agarkar.
"Virat reached out early April, seen him give 200% every ball he plays even when he's not batting or on the field. Felt he'd given everything he had, if he can't keep up to the standards it was time for him. It's come from him. Have to respect that. They've earned that respect," he added.
