Navjot Singh Sidhu says Virat Kohli will be pivotal on England tour amid retirement talks

Former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu has urged Virat Kohli to rethink his retirement decision ahead of the all-important England tour. Sidhu said India can’t afford to send an inexperienced batting line-up to England and added that Kohli’s presence will be pivotal, especially after Rohit Sharma’s retirement.

It has been understood that Kohli has conveyed his desire to retire from Test cricket to the BCCI. However, the Indian board has requested the veteran to once again contemplate his decision.

Kohli scored 190 runs in five Test matches at an average of 23.75 on the Australian tour and struggled with deliveries just outside the off-stump channel.

Sidhu said as quoted by India Today, “Virat Kohli’s decision — that he wants to retire — has created a stir across the cricketing world. We are heading into a tour that is the toughest litmus test even for other Test-playing nations. Why do I say that Kohli can be our “knight in shining armor” in England? Because he has the experience, especially after Rohit Sharma’s departure. You can’t send an inexperienced side to England.”

“His intention is right, his motive is noble — that “the old order must change, yielding place to the new.” But the timing and occasion are not appropriate, because the pride and prestige of India are on the line.”

On the other hand, former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu also requested Kohli not to retire from the red-ball version and said Indian cricket needs him the most at this junction of time.

Rayudu wrote on X, “Virat Kohli please don’t retire.. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India.. Please reconsider.”

Kohli hasn’t produced desirable numbers in the last five years in Test cricket and it would be interesting to note his final call.