Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired ahead of the series against England leaving the cricketing fraternity in shock. While Rohit called it quits after scoring 4,301 runs in 67 tests, an average of 40.57, with 12 centuries for the national team, Kohli retired after playing 123 matches in his glorious 14-year red-ball career.

Kohli scored 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, at a test batting average of 46.85. He also led India in 68 test matches and was India’s most successful captain with 40 test wins.

Kohli’s retirement came only days after Rohit stepped down from test cricket, taking two senior batters out of selection contention for India’s tour to England.

As cricket aficionados reflected on their glorious careers, comparisons between the two icons reignited, especially in the wake of comments made by former England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who added another perspective to the long-standing debate — one that pits raw talent against relentless discipline.

“Rohit was a more natural player in terms of, like, amazing to watch. Like a proper gift given to him. When I say natural, everything looks a lot smoother. He was a top player. There was a period of time where he was probably the most talented player in the world, naturally," Moeen said on the Beard Before Wicket podcast.

"Like probably didn’t do the work in terms of fitness and stuff as Virat but still as effective. Would probably hit the ball further," he added.

While Kohli's transformation of India’s fitness culture and aggressive brand of Test cricket is often highlighted, Rohit’s sheer elegance and effortless timing made him a fan favourite across formats.

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