NEW DELHI: In the world of cricket, influence isn’t merely defined by records or statistics but by the indelible mark players leave on the sport — both on and off the field. As of 2025, there’s no denying that Virat Kohli is the most influential personality in world cricket. From his aggressive leadership to unparalleled fitness and consistency, Kohli has redefined Indian cricket and become a global icon. Along with Rohit Sharma, who has been instrumental in leading India to multiple ICC titles, they represent the golden era of Indian cricket. Yet, despite their monumental contributions, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has failed to acknowledge their legacies in a manner that befits their status.
India’s Cricketing Powerhouse
Cricket in India isn’t just a sport; it’s a religion. A staggering 230 million viewers tuned into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, and it’s no surprise that Indian cricket continues to dominate the global stage. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the world’s most-watched T20 league, generating billions in revenue, while Indian matches consistently top TRP ratings. India, and its cricketers, have the power to bring the world to a standstill. Indian cricketers like Kohli and Rohit aren’t just superstars at home; they’re crowd-pullers on foreign shores, with their presence driving global viewership, sponsorships, and packed stadiums.
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Allegations of Bias and Ungratefulness
As the BCCI has grown into a commercial powerhouse, questions arise about its treatment of cricketing legends. While the Board has made significant strides in monetizing the sport, it has faced criticism for failing to properly honor its icons. Players such as Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and MS Dhoni, despite their monumental contributions, were given quiet retirements with little fanfare. This has led many to argue that the BCCI has been ungrateful toward its greatest assets. As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma approach the final phase of their careers, fans are left to wonder: will they be afforded the same treatment, or will the Board continue its trend of overlooking its legends?
The disparity is glaring when compared to the farewell orchestrated for Sachin Tendulkar, widely considered the ‘God of Cricket.’ When Tendulkar announced his retirement, the BCCI arranged a special West Indies tour to honor his 25-year legacy in the sport. However, icons like Dravid, Laxman, and Dhoni were given far less recognition, a pattern that has left many questioning the Board’s priorities.
This past week, as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both announced their retirements via social media posts, the cricketing world was in shock. While their form may eventually fade, their monumental contributions to Indian cricket will live on forever. Both have not only excelled individually but have revolutionized Indian cricket with their leadership and passion. Now, the cricketing community eagerly waits to see if the BCCI will provide them the grand farewell they truly deserve — a gesture comparable to those given to legends in other sports.
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Kohli and Rohit: The Pillars of Indian Cricket
Virat Kohli has been the most successful captain in the history of Indian cricket. From leading India to a historic 71-year-old victory in Australia to famously declaring, “They should feel hell for 60 overs,” Kohli has reshaped Indian cricket’s mentality. His commitment to fitness has transformed the team’s physical standards, and he has been instrumental in making India a formidable force in all formats.
Rohit Sharma, too, has made his mark as the most successful captain in ICC tournaments, having led India to victories in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. His calm and calculated approach, paired with his match-winning performances, has made him one of the most iconic cricketers of this generation.
The Man Who Changed the Dressing Room: Kohli’s leadership brought about a transformation in the mindset of the Indian cricket team. He instilled a never-say-die attitude, pushing his teammates to give their all. His aggression became a defining trait of the team’s spirit.
The Man Who Changed Fitness Standards: Kohli raised the bar in fitness, making it a non-negotiable part of being an elite cricketer. His discipline in the gym, diet, and fitness regime became a model for young players, significantly raising India’s overall fitness standards.
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The Man Who Made Sunil Gavaskar Dance: When India triumphed over Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Kohli’s match-winning performance left even cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar in awe, who was seen celebrating like a child — something rare for the ever-composed Gavaskar.
The Man Who Tore Apart Sachin Tendulkar’s Record: Kohli’s ruthless pursuit of excellence saw him equal, and in some cases surpass, records held by the great Sachin Tendulkar. His record-breaking feats often left even the ‘Little Master’ in admiration as Kohli stormed ahead.
Yet, despite these immense achievements, there has been no grand acknowledgment of their impending retirements. Unlike the send-off given to Tendulkar, the BCCI has left Kohli and Rohit in limbo, perhaps unaware of the emotional connection fans have with these two players.
The Contrast With Other Sports in India
This lack of recognition for cricketing legends stands in sharp contrast to other sports in India. Take, for instance, the retirement of PR Sreejesh, the legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper. Hockey India organized a lavish retirement event at the Taj Palace in New Delhi to honor Sreejesh’s monumental contributions to Indian hockey. The organization went above and beyond, retiring his jersey number 16 and awarding him a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh. This level of respect and acknowledgment for a sports legend shows how far Indian cricket lags behind when it comes to honoring its own.
If other sports can give their legends the respect they deserve, why can’t the BCCI do the same for Kohli, Rohit, Dravid, Laxman, and Dhoni?
Inside the Rift: Virat Kohli vs. BCCI
Virat Kohli’s rift with the BCCI began in September 2021 when he stepped down as T20I captain, citing workload management. Despite his wish to continue as ODI and Test captain, the BCCI replaced him with Rohit Sharma in December. BCCI President Sourav Ganguly claimed the board had urged Kohli to reconsider stepping down, but Kohli publicly contradicted him, stating he was informed of his ODI removal just 90 minutes before team selection—exposing a clear communication gap. The clash became public when Ganguly insisted BCCI requested Kohli to continue as T20I captain, which Kohli denied.
In a press conference, he stated:
“I was never asked to continue as T20I captain. The communication about my removal as ODI captain came just 90 minutes before the selection meeting.”
This contradiction sparked national debate, with some seeing it as BCCI’s mishandling of communication, while others viewed Kohli’s remarks as a direct challenge to the Board’s authority. In 2025, Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket via social media, shocking fans. BCCI reportedly urged him to reconsider, unlike Rohit Sharma, whose retirement saw minimal recognition. This difference fueled accusations of favoritism, leaving fans questioning the Board’s inconsistent approach.
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The BCCI must rethink its approach when it comes to handling retirements and honoring cricketing legends. Players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have shaped not only Indian cricket but also the global game in ways that statistics alone cannot reflect. A simple social media post or a brief mention in a press release is not enough to recognize their monumental contributions.
It’s high time that the BCCI steps up and provides these legends with the grand farewell they truly deserve. This isn’t just about words; it’s about action. Acknowledging their achievements publicly, honoring their careers with meaningful send-offs, and ensuring their legacies are forever etched in Indian cricket history would send a powerful message to the world — that the BCCI genuinely respects and values its stars.
Failing to do so would not only tarnish the Board’s reputation but could also diminish the legacies of the very players who elevated Indian cricket to its current global stature. The BCCI must recognize that players like Kohli and Rohit are not just athletes; they are the very heartbeat of Indian cricket, deserving of the respect and recognition that reflects their contributions. The time to act is now.
