Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth accused the BCCI of not giving a farewell to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara. Virat and Rohit bid adieu to red-ball cricket before the England tour, surprising everyone. The exits of two greats without a proper farewell were questioned by former players. The debate intensified when Pujara also called it a day.

Srikkanth is disappointed with the way three players left the arena. “You are a good cricketer if you play 100 Tests for your country. There was a communication gap when Virat and Rohit retired. They should have spoken to them, but nothing happened from the board’s side. This is not good, considering their contributions,” Srikkanth said.

“Virat Kohli should have got a better send-off”: Srikkanth

Srikkanth, who is a former chief selector, pointed out that Virat could have played for another two years.

“Virat Kohli’s retirement happened without any farewell match. He deserved a better send-off. He had two years of Test cricket, but because the series in England ended in a draw, the talk about him didn’t pick up. India will find it difficult to get a player like him,” he added.

Virat amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 hundreds and 31 fifties. On the other hand, Rohit accumulated 4,301 runs in 67 Tests, an average of 40.57, with 12 hundreds.

Srikkanth also spoke about Pujara’s retirement. ‘Pujara didn’t play for India for some time, but they should have also spoken to him. He would have git a better send-off, but it is a matter of cooperation between the player, selectors, and the Indian cricket board,” he concluded.