
'Retired Too Early': Virender Sehwag Says Virat Kohli Could Have Played For Two More Years: (Source: AP/BCCI)
Virat Kohli surprised the cricket fraternity after he announced his retirement from the Test format. Kohli's form was not great, and had a poor series in Australia, but the BCCI reportedly wanted him to be part of the Test squad for the England series. Kohli, 36, ended his career with 9230 runs in 123 Tests, including 30 centuries.
Kohli was nearing the 10,000 run mark, a feat he was keen to achieve, but he felt something and decided to quit the format.
Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag, however, feels that Kohli retired too early. Sehwag said Kohli will beat 90 percent of the players in fitness, which is why he could have played for two more years.
“His hunger for runs is what makes him different, sets him apart. He follows his routine, his hard work, whether or not he’s making runs," explained Sehwag, who himself is one of the preeminent Test batters in Indian history.
“He will leave 90% of players behind in fitness even at 36 years old. I would say because of that, he retired too early in Tests, he could comfortably have played 2 more years,” stated Sehwag.
Suresh Raina Wants Farewell Match For Virat Kohli
Kohli joined the long list of Indian stalwarts who retired without a farewell game. Highlighting Virat Kohli's contribution to Indian cricket, Suresh Raina batted for a retirement match for Virat Kohli in Delhi. Raina also demanded Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, for Kohli.
"I feel the Indian government should award him the Bharat Ratna because he has achieved so many things for India," Raina said on Star Sports.
"I also feel he should be given a retirement match in Delhi. His family and coach would have been there to support him. After doing so much for the country, you communicate with him because he deserves a retirement match."
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from IPL 2025, IPL Orange Cap, IPL Purple Cap, Most Sixes in IPL, Cricket, Sports and around the World.