Kapil Dev, the legendary former captain of the Indian cricket team and the hero of the iconic 1983 World Cup triumph, has weighed in on the growing speculation surrounding the potential retirement of current captain Rohit Sharma. Speaking at an event hosted by the Professional Golf Tour of India, where he serves as president, Kapil highlighted the importance of allowing players like Rohit to decide when the time is right for them to step away from the game. His comments come at a time when Rohit and fellow senior batter Virat Kohli have come under intense scrutiny for their recent performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, which has raised questions about their future in the national team.
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, both Rohit and Kohli have faced considerable struggles. Rohit, despite being the captain of the team, managed only 31 runs in the first three Tests before making the unprecedented decision to step down from the final Test of the series. This decision was driven by his desire to focus on addressing his ongoing form issues, with reports suggesting that his physical limitations, including injuries, had contributed to his poor run with the bat. Kohli, despite registering a remarkable century in Perth, too had a disappointing run, accumulating just 85 runs over the next four Tests. These performances have led to increased criticism from fans and analysts, and speculation has been swirling regarding whether this could be the end of their time as the key players of the Indian team.
Kapil, however, firmly believes that it is not his place to criticize the decisions made by the selectors, who are ultimately responsible for team management. He emphasized that the selectors have likely already given careful thought to the performances of senior players like Rohit and Kohli, and any comment he would make could be perceived as undermining their judgment. “How can I comment on the judgment of others? I think the selectors would have thought about it... So, if I say something, it would be criticizing them. I don’t want to criticize them. They are a group of people who must have planned and thought about that,” Kapil said during the event.
Kapil, who himself has been a prominent figure in Indian cricket for decades, underscored that players like Rohit and Kohli, who have achieved so much for the country, deserve to have the final say on their careers. "They are very big players. Let's hope when they think it's the right time to play, when they think it's not, they will call it off," Kapil added. He acknowledged that the timing of retirement is a deeply personal decision for any athlete, and fans and commentators should respect the autonomy of these players to make their own choices.
In recent times, both Rohit and Kohli have been under tremendous pressure, not just from the media and the fans, but also from the BCCI, with a number of high-profile meetings being held to deliberate on India’s future strategies. According to reports, the BCCI held a special meeting in Mumbai under the leadership of President Roger Binny, in which the performance and future of both Rohit and Kohli were discussed. The BCCI is reportedly keeping a close eye on their form ahead of the 2023 ICC Champions Trophy, which is expected to be a major milestone in India’s cricketing calendar. With the tournament approaching, there is mounting pressure on both players to rediscover their peak form and silence the critics who have questioned their place in the team.
Kapil Dev urged patience from both the selectors and the fans when it comes to evaluating the careers of players like Rohit and Kohli. He emphasized that both players have already delivered immense value to Indian cricket and should be given the time and space to regain their rhythm. “If selectors believe they have what it takes, we should trust them and give them time,” Kapil remarked, making a strong case for backing senior players, especially when they have the experience and history to turn things around. The message was clear: respect the process, trust the players, and have faith in their ability to bounce back.
With the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, the pressure on both Rohit and Kohli is immense. The tournament represents a significant milestone not just for the players individually but for the future of Indian cricket as a whole. Their performances in the upcoming months could potentially shape the trajectory of their careers, and their leadership and experience will be crucial for the team’s success in the prestigious event. However, the path ahead will not be easy. Both players will have to face heightened expectations, manage their own physical issues, and prove that they are still capable of making vital contributions to the team. For Rohit, this could mean overcoming injury struggles and finding his form, while for Kohli, it could involve rediscovering the consistency that once made him one of the most feared batters in world cricket.
Despite the mounting pressure, the duo's vast experience and ability to perform in crucial situations could be the key to India's success in the upcoming tournaments. Both Rohit and Kohli have shown resilience in the past, and their capacity to bounce back from tough phases is well documented. As one of the most formidable batting pairs in Indian cricket history, they will have a critical role to play, both in the Champions Trophy and beyond. If they manage to rediscover their best form, they could play a pivotal role in helping India clinch more international titles.
The coming months will be critical for these two stalwarts, and while their future in international cricket may appear uncertain to some, the history they’ve built and the legacy they’ve created cannot be overlooked. Their journey in Indian cricket is far from over, and with Kapil Dev’s words of encouragement, it is clear that their contributions to the team should not be diminished. The journey of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is intertwined with the fortunes of Indian cricket, and as the selectors continue to monitor their progress, it is important to remember the incredible impact these players have had on the sport. Only time will tell if they can bounce back and continue to lead Indian cricket to new heights, but one thing is certain—Kapil Dev’s message is a reminder that every player deserves respect, patience, and the freedom to make decisions about their future when the time is right.
