Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has voiced his support for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli‘s inclusion in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. This comes despite their underwhelming performances in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Kohli struggled throughout the five-Test series, accumulating only 190 runs and repeatedly falling prey to deliveries outside the off-stump. Rohit’s participation was also limited, managing a mere 31 runs in three matches before missing the final Test.
The subpar performances of these senior players drew considerable criticism, sparking speculation about their potential retirement from Test cricket.
However, Yograj disagrees with these calls for retirement. He believes both players should continue for several more years to mentor the younger generation.
“I was saying that don’t remove Rohit from captaincy and nor drop Virat. We need these two legends to groom the youngsters. The team needs these two players for 3-4 years more including (Jasprit) Bumrah. We have to create a solid bench strength,” he told IANS on Monday.
Yograj emphasises the importance of team stability and cautions against dismantling the existing structure. He recalls the negative consequences of similar decisions in the past.
“You should never break the team. In 2011 it was started and the team was broke as the power was given to one single person. We went on to lose World Cups, multiple series and even lost three-four Test series on the trot. We need to take all players together as win or loss is part of sport. In Australia, India won back-to-back (Test) series and I don’t think anybody has done it except West Indies. I feel my advice has been heard by the BCCI,” he added.
He highlighted India’s success in Australia, winning consecutive Test series, a feat rarely achieved. He believes this underscores the team’s potential and the need for continuity.
Yograj also expressed his satisfaction with Punjab batter Abhishek Sharma’s selection for the upcoming T20I series against England. He believes Sharma shows great promise and sees shades of Yuvraj Singh in his batting style.
He also advocated for Shubman Gill’s inclusion in the squad, believing Gill deserves an opportunity.
“It was pleasing to see Abhishek back, he is a very big player and I see a reflection of Yuvraj Singh in his batting. The more he plays, the more he excels. I feel Shubman Gill should have also been picked,” he said.
He praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its role in developing young cricketing talent through the Indian Premier League (IPL). He noted the financial benefits and career opportunities the IPL has provided.
He also commended the BCCI’s efforts to replicate this success in women’s cricket and its establishment of a pension scheme for retired cricketers.
“Since the start of IPL, cricket has improved a lot in India. Many cricketers got a chance and many made their careers. They also received a lot of money from it. IPL has played a very big role in India and I congratulate BCCI for it. It has become an important tournament as the board is spending a lot of money and giving it to players.
“Women’s cricket is also getting a lot of money. I’m very proud of BCCI that they have started a pension scheme for retired/veteran cricketers. IPL is a boon for cricketers in this country,” he said.