Navjot Singh Sidhu uses “50% Sunil Gavaskar” analogy in bid to make Virat Kohli reconsider Test retirement
New Delhi: Reports of Virat Kohli’s potential Test retirement have caused significant reaction within the cricket community, according to former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sindhu. While Sindhu acknowledges Kohli’s retirement intention, he believes the timing is inappropriate, particularly given India’s upcoming important five-Test series in England.
Reports indicate that Virat Kohli informed the BCCI of his intention to retire from Test cricket.
Sidhu feels that Kohli’s decision to step away from Test cricket has come at the wrong time. Meanwhile, several former Indian cricketers have urged him to rethink his move.
“Virat Kohli’s decision to retire has caused a ruckus in the world of Cricket. The intention is good, that old order changes and yields place to new, but time doesn’t change place at all because India is on an extreme challenge, and they are going for one such tour, which is the toughest litmus test for any Test Playing Nation. Why am I saying that they can become a knight in shining armour after Rohit Sharma’s departure, you should understand you cannot take an inexperienced side there,” Sidhu said.
A former Indian all-rounder cited the example of Kapil Dev prioritizing Sunil Gavaskar’s presence in the team, even when Gavaskar was only at half fitness, to illustrate the importance of key players.
“In 1987 my debut Reliance World Cup, Sunil Manohar Gavaskar 103 Bukhar Captain Kapil Dev sir comes in, Sunny boy tomorrow is the game how are your feeling Skip 50%, Smile I A very beautiful Kapil Dev sir said, Sunil Gavaskar at 50% is much better than anyone in this world at 100%. This is absolutely right for Kohli, so I think Virat Kohli should be the stop captain for 7-8 months when there are tough conditions, he should lead from the front,” Sidhu asserted.
The BCCI has reportedly appealed to Virat Kohli to reconsider his resignation, even employing the assistance of a prominent individual to persuade him.
“BCCI wants that for India’s sake, for Indian prosperity, for India’s prosperity. Kohli sir should be told, Brother, it is fine, we appreciate your feelings, but the Indian people need you. You are that unparalleled shield who will be the protective armor of India, who will be the protective armor of India, who is going to protect our country from any danger,” Sidhu concluded.
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