Former England cricketer Monty Panesar has publicly criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not organising official farewell Test matches for modern greats Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin upon their retirement from international cricket.
A Missed Opportunity for Celebration
Panesar expressed his disappointment, stating that the Indian cricket board missed a crucial opportunity to properly honour and celebrate the monumental careers of these players. He drew a direct comparison with England's approach, where retiring stalwarts are often given specially planned send-off matches as a mark of respect for their service.
In a conversation with IANS, the ex-spinner said, "The BCCI should have planned farewell Test matches for R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. They deserved that respect." He highlighted examples like Stuart Broad and James Anderson, who received grand farewells, adding, "England celebrate its players when they retire... but India fall short in this regard."
The Staggering Careers That Deserved More
The trio in question retired in quick succession, leaving a massive void in Indian cricket. Virat Kohli, hailed as one of the finest batters of this era, retired from Test cricket in May last year. His 14-year red-ball career saw him amass 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. His tenure as India's Test captain was also highly successful, making him the fourth-most successful skipper in the format's history.
Rohit Sharma also called time on his Test career in May. The opener played 67 Tests, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, with 12 hundreds and 18 half-centuries. His average improved to 42.81 as an opener. As captain, he led India to the final of the 2023 World Test Championship.
Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from all international cricket after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in December 2024. The off-spinner wizard ended his Test journey as India's second-highest wicket-taker with 537 scalps in 106 matches at a stellar average of 24. A genuine all-rounder, he also scored six Test centuries. His final international appearance was the day-night Test in Adelaide.
The Legacy Beyond Test Cricket
Ashwin's white-ball contributions were significant too, with 228 wickets across ODIs and T20Is. His total international wicket tally stands at a colossal 765. He was an integral part of India's triumphant campaigns in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
Panesar's comments have sparked a debate among fans and pundits about how sporting boards should manage the transition of their biggest stars. The lack of a formal, celebratory send-off for players of such colossal stature is seen by many as an oversight, failing to provide fans with a moment to collectively express gratitude. This critique underscores a growing expectation for sports administrations to blend professional management with heartfelt tributes for legends who have defined an era.
