I have a different view point here. I am not sure how exactly the decision was relayed to Virat and Rohit, but it was apparent that both of them were way past their prime in Test cricket. A lot of people only consider the Australia tour here. What we need to look at also, is the New Zealand home series where we were whitewashed. The seniors ought to have stood up and performed then. Unfortunately, the two weren't able to. The BCCI is right in adopting the next best player policy here- 8 Tests are good enough time for anyone. No matter their stature. I'd implore all Indians to look at the actual returns from Virat and Rohit last year, before coming up with - Ohh this will be difficult and all!
That said, I do not deny that the next year would be difficult for the Test team- however, one cannot expect players to be around forever. This is where we need to tap into our reserves- the 'A' tours, U-19s, Ranji have shown that we have a decent pipeline. Now, whether this works for us in the future or not, is anyone's guess.
What if I say that a certain influential folks didn't want him to achieve that milestone. So they made sure the PR against him is so strong during Aus series that BCCI had to intervene and say "Hey, we don't want you guys anymore". This is not the only rough patch he had in his career but the kind of treatment he got is not something he deserves. As you said, he could've atleast got a farewell match. They could've said, "Hey, we are looking at younger players in test squad considering the future of Indian Cricket. If you can stick around for a few more games, groom some players. It'd be great. We also offer you a farewell match in your home ground." See? Not bad right? A respectable sendoff.
Mark my words, Indian Team will dearly miss Kohli.
You know what, the more you look at Kohli's figure, the more you think that his stats are just normal. He isnt in the 10K club. I had posted in the retirements thread about Sanga, Younis Khan, Mahela having scored more than VK. Heck, even, Matthews, who retired recently has a tally just short of VK.
All Aggression doesn't necessarily make a great player!
Now, you talk of farewell games- I did make a mention of it in one of my posts, but the real question is- WHY? He didnt give a farewell to the likes of Gambhir, Yuvraj, Harbhajan,Dhawan, Pujara and Rahane. So, why should he(or they) get one?
Maybe you’re right. You probably know a lot more about the intricacies of Indian cricket. The major downside will be losing his presence on the ground for India (and Rohit is a solid captain)
It would be a slap in those influential people if India failed/struggled in the upcoming England Test series. He doesn’t seem like an Afridi-esque player to keep making stupid comebacks. Better to do an Dhoni and just don the RCB fit and play to 40. Although with the best spinner England have off Bashir - I don’t see this happening.
India will struggle, as does every team during transition. It is expected and it will lead to some amount of churning. I believe that is a gamble that Agarkar is willing to take here. Realistically, his presence will be the main thing that we will lose, but there are others who have the opportunity to step up.
