'Deserved better send-offs': Ex-India captain criticises BCCI after Kohli, Rohit, Pujara retirements

The Indian Test team has entered a new era following the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and most recently Cheteshwar Pujara. The transition signals a generational shift, with a young squad led by Shubman Gill demonstrating their readiness after drawing the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England. Former India opener and 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth has expressed disappointment over how the Board of Control for Cricket in India handled these retirements. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth pointed out that there was a clear communication gap between the BCCI and the players. He argued that cricketers of Kohli’s and Pujara’s stature deserved a proper send-off. "If you play 100 Tests for your country, you must be a terrific cricketer and should be given a fitting farewell. There was a big communication gap when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired. They should have spoken to them, but instead it looked poor for Indian cricket," Srikkanth said. He added that Kohli’s retirement seemed abrupt and that the player still had the potential to play for two more years. Regarding Pujara, Srikkanth felt that discussions about his future with the BCCI could have led to a more dignified farewell. For Pujara, the end of his Test career opens a new chapter. The 103-Test veteran, who scored over 7,000 runs and was instrumental in India’s series victories in Australia, has revealed plans to continue contributing to cricket in other roles. Speaking to PTI, Pujara said he is enjoying his work in broadcasting and would be open to coaching opportunities or joining the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy. "I want to stay connected to the game in any way I can. Whenever opportunities arise, I will take them. I would be more than happy to contribute to Indian cricket in whatever way possible," Pujara stated. He also reflected on the guidance of his father and late mother in shaping his cricketing journey and reaffirmed the value of traditional Test match batting in modern cricket.