Test series against England: Former India star questions Virat Kohli's timing amid retirement speculation

Following the retirement of veteran cricketer Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, speculation is rife in the cricketing circle that prolific batsman Virat Kohli will also announce his retirement from the longest format of the game soon.

Though BCCI is trying to convince Kohli to reconsider his decision about Test retirement especially with the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle set to begin with the England tour, Kohli is reportedly firm on his decision. 

In response, former India batsman turned cricket expert Navjot Singh Sidhu has raised concerns over the reported timing of Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket.

"Kohli’s decision has stirred conversations across the global cricketing community. While his intention is noble, that the old must make way for the new, the timing is questionable. This is not just any series; India’s pride and prestige are at stake," said Sidhu.

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According to the former India batsman, Kohli’s unmatched experience and value, especially in English conditions, traditionally one of the toughest tours even for top Test nations would have been of great importance to India.

"Kohli is our knight in shining armour in England. With Rohit Sharma already stepping away from Test cricket, Kohli’s presence becomes even more vital. We cannot afford to send an inexperienced side into a tour of such magnitude," said Sidhu.