Indian cricket doesn’t just have a selection problem - it has a fan problem. Because the moment a player hits a rough patch, we want him dropped. We trend hashtags, we demand “fresh blood,” we scream for change. But the moment the same player scores some runs elsewhere, we suddenly want him back like nothing ever happened.
And that’s exactly the circus playing out with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Everyone knew their recent Test run wasn't great. The dip wasn’t hidden. The criticism wasn’t new. And somewhere along the way, both giants made a mature decision: step away from Test cricket and focus on what they still love and still dominate.
But then India lost a Test series to South Africa. And instantly, as predictable as ever, fans hit panic mode. The same audience that said “they’re done in Tests” suddenly decided “bring them back!” All because Virat and Rohit looked in good touch in ODIs.
It went so far that rumours claimed the BCCI might request Virat Kohli to reverse his Test retirement. But Kohli shut that door immediately, stating clearly that he will continue to play only one format.
Virat Kohli on Test comeback
After the 1st ODI vs South Africa, Virat said, "I'm 37 and need time for recovery. That's how it's always going to be - I'm just playing one form of the game. If you've played 300-odd games and so much cricket, you know when you're hitting balls in practice, you know the reflexes are there, and the physical ability is there to bat long. As long as you're hitting the ball well and playing good cricket, it's about being physically fit, mentally ready and excited."
When asked whether he intended to continue exclusively in ODIs, Virat said, “Yes, and that’s how it’s always going to be. I’m just playing one form of the game.”
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia also dismissed all the noise, confirming that no such discussion ever took place. "What's being said about Virat Kohli is just a rumour. There has been no conversation with Kohli about this. Do not give weight to rumours. Nothing of that sort has happened," he told India Today.
So where did all these rumours come from? Simple - from us. From the fanbase that can’t control its impulses. From the same cycle of overreaction that refuses logic.
And that’s the core issue: Just because a player performs in one format doesn’t magically make him ready for another. Just because India lost one Test series doesn’t mean retired legends should be summoned back like emergency firefighters.
Cricket doesn’t work like that. Retirements don’t work like that. Logic doesn’t work like that. But fandom? Fandom rarely works on logic, only emotion.
And until we fix that, we’ll keep repeating the same loop: Push players out. Beg them to return. Then blame the system when they don’t. It’s time we look in the mirror, because sometimes, the noise outside the boundary isn’t helping Indian cricket - it’s hurting it.
