“Virat & Rohit Retired From the Wrong Format, Says Aakash Chopra – Calls for ODI Exit Instead of Tests”
Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may have hung up their boots from the wrong format. While both legends retired from Test cricket ahead of the England tour in May, Chopra feels they should have stepped away from ODIs instead, given the limited 50-over action in the current cricket calendar.
His comments come amid reports that the duo might soon call time on their ODI careers as well, with the BCCI not considering them for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa and Namibia unless they prove form and fitness in domestic 50-over matches.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra explained, “The truth is, they said goodbye to the wrong format. They had already left T20Is after winning the World Cup, but had they continued Tests and retired from ODIs, it might have made more sense. India played just six ODIs in the 12 months before the Champions Trophy.”
He pointed out the huge gaps between ODI series, making it hard for players to maintain rhythm, fitness, and match readiness. “A three-match series is over in a week, then you wait months for the next. Tests at least keep you engaged for longer blocks of cricket,” he said.
Chopra also argued that with ODI cricket being infrequent, the current schedule offers little opportunity for players to stay in groove — unlike IPL, where they get 14–16 high-intensity innings in a short span.
Both Kohli and Rohit have exceptional ODI records. Kohli has 14,181 runs in 302 matches at an average of 57.88, while Rohit boasts 11,168 runs in 272 matches at 48.76. Their Champions Trophy performances — including Kohli’s century against Pakistan and Rohit’s match-winning 76 in the final — remain fan favourites.
The pair’s form has been impressive since 2023, with Kohli averaging over 61 and Rohit striking at 117. With ODIs against Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and England lined up over the next year, fans are hoping the duo can extend their magic and possibly keep their World Cup dreams alive.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
