Root on Kohli Retirement: Joe Root Reflects on Missing Fierce Battles
Root on Kohli Retirement: England’s premier batter, Joe Root, has openly admitted that he will profoundly “miss those battles” with Virat Kohli, following the Indian superstar’s recent retirement from Test cricket. For well over a decade, Root and Kohli stood shoulder to shoulder among the “Fab Four” of Test batting, their on-field duels defining an era of competitive cricket. Their matchups were always a highlight, drawing immense viewership and adding an extra layer of narrative to every India-England contest. Root on Kohli Retirement
“I’ve never been in competition with Virat. He is someone I’ve always admired, and thought, ‘Wow, what a player’,” Root stated in a media interaction organized by Sony Sports Network. This sentiment highlights the mutual respect that permeated their rivalry, even as they pushed each other to achieve greater heights. While acknowledging the void left by Kohli, Root also pointed towards new opportunities for emerging players to “put their mark on Test cricket.” This upcoming five-Test series between India and England in 2025 will certainly be a stage for new heroes to emerge. Root on Kohli Retirement
The Absence of Indian Legends: Kohli and Rohit Sharma
The Indian Test team, which is currently on its tour of England, will not only miss the services of Virat Kohli but also another highly experienced batter in Rohit Sharma, who also recently announced his retirement from the longest format of the game on May 7, 2025. Both players have been stalwarts of Indian cricket, contributing immensely to its success and popularity over a prolonged period. Root on Kohli Retirement
“Cricket is poorer without them being around,” Root lamented, emphasizing the significant impact of their departures. “They are two Indian legends. They’ve done amazing things for Indian cricket for such a long period of time. It’ll be a slightly different look to the series, but we still expect it to be highly competitive.” Root’s comments underscore the immense respect the cricketing fraternity holds for both Kohli and Sharma, acknowledging their irreplaceable contributions to the sport. Their absence undoubtedly changes the dynamics of the series, but the inherent competitiveness between these two cricketing nations is expected to ensure gripping encounters. Root on Kohli Retirement
The Jasprit Bumrah Threat and Workload Management
Beyond the retired legends, England will face a formidable challenge from India’s pace ace, Jasprit Bumrah. Root admitted that Bumrah presents a significant threat whenever he has the ball in hand. “Every time he’s played, he’s had a huge impact. He is clearly going to be a big threat. We have to try and manage as best we can,” the England batter said. This acknowledgment from Root highlights Bumrah’s unique ability to influence games single-handedly. Root on Kohli Retirement
However, it has been confirmed by India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir that Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play all five Tests in the series, as per a pre-series plan to manage his workload. This decision, made in light of Bumrah’s past back surgery and the packed international schedule, aims to preserve his fitness for major upcoming tournaments. Root, however, believes that England cannot afford to obsess over Bumrah alone. “You can’t single out individual bowlers. You have a plan for each every challenge and different bowler type. There will be times when he (Bumrah) is going to be hard work, and we’re going to have to work through that. And when we get opportunities to score, we’ve got to take it,” Root advised, emphasizing a holistic approach to tackling the Indian bowling attack. Root on Kohli Retirement
Root’s Stance on Four-Day Tests
Beyond the immediate series, Joe Root also voiced his strong disapproval of the proposed move to change Test matches to a four-day affair. According to a report in The Guardian, the ICC is considering sanctioning four-day Tests in the World Test Championship to potentially help smaller nations play more games and manage fixture congestion. Root on Kohli Retirement
Root, a traditionalist at heart, expressed his strong reservations: “I don’t really understand why you’d need to change it to four days. Coming from England where it rains a lot, you’re basically asking for more draws, which nobody wants. It doesn’t really make sense to me. If you look at some of the greatest Tests of all time, they go right down to the wire on day five.” His perspective aligns with many purists of the game who believe the five-day format is integral to the strategic ebb and flow that defines Test cricket’s unique appeal. Root’s comments provide valuable insight into the mindset of a player deeply invested in the competitive spirit and traditional format of Test cricket, further solidifying his view on the importance of the game’s ultimate battles, including those he’ll now miss with Virat Kohli. Root on Kohli Retirement
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