Virender Sehwag On Virat, Rohit’s Retirement: ‘Agar Cricketers Se Game Chal Rahi Hoti...' | Exclusive

News cricket Virender Sehwag On Virat, Rohit’s Retirement: ‘Agar Cricketers Se Game Chal Rahi Hoti...' | Exclusive

Last Updated:September 25, 2026, 14:03 IST

Virender Sehwag discusses Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirement, saying some fans may stop watching but cricket will continue.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag, who is also known as the Nawab of Najafgarh, is one of the greatest and most legendary cricketers India has ever witnessed. Sehwag, in his career, has made and broken many records and still holds a special place in the hearts of many. In a recent chat with News18, he spoke about the impact of a cricketer’s retirement.

Can Virat-Rohit’s retirement make people stop watching cricket?

Sharing his thoughts on whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s T20 retirement can make people stop watching the game, Sehwag told us, “Log kehte zaroor hain, unke fans kehte hain ki hum Virat Kohli ke liye cricket dekhte hain ya Rohit Sharma ke liye dekhte hain. Par aisa toh Sunil Gavaskar ke liye bhi kaha jata tha, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar ke liye bhi kaha jata tha." He continued, “Yet, people are still watching as much cricket as they used to before. In fact, more people are watching now because earlier it used to come on TV, but now it is available on mobile phones. It has become even easier."

Sharing that he believes some might stop watching, Sehwag added, “So, to say that if this player retires, we won’t watch cricket anymore, maybe some of their fans won’t. I have also heard people say, ‘You stopped playing, so we stopped watching,’ but that’s not really the case. They probably still watch a little bit. Agar cricketers se hi game chal rahi hoti, toh ab tak band ho jati."

About Virat-Rohit’s T20 retirement 

Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20 internationals after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup. Kohli announced his decision immediately after the final, while Rohit confirmed his retirement at the post-match press conference. Later, the two announced their Test retirements in May 2025.

“Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format," Rohit posted on May 7.

“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy, but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude, for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile," Virat posted on May 12.

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