BCCI Faces Criticism Over Lack of Farewell Tests for Indian Legends

BCCI Under Fire Over Absence of Farewell Tests as India Misses Chance to Honour Rohit, Kohli and Ashwin

The BCCI is once again facing criticism over its handling of player retirements after former England spinner Monty Panesar questioned the board’s failure to organize Farewell Tests for Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Panesar’s remarks have reignited debate about how Indian cricket honors its greatest contributors.

Speaking recently, Panesar expressed disappointment that India missed an opportunity to give its iconic players a proper send-off in the longest format of the game. He contrasted India’s approach with England’s tradition of celebrating retiring cricketers through dedicated farewell matches.

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Panesar Highlights Missed Opportunity

According to Panesar, Farewell Tests are not merely symbolic matches but a mark of respect for players who have dedicated years to serving their country. He pointed out that England consistently ensures its legends are celebrated in front of fans and teammates, creating moments that become part of cricketing history.

He cited the examples of Stuart Broad and James Anderson, both of whom received emotional and well-planned farewells from English cricket authorities. In comparison, Panesar believes the BCCI fell short in recognizing the contributions of Rohit, Kohli, and Ashwin.

Retirement Without Ceremony

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket in May last year, bringing an end to two of the most influential red-ball careers in Indian cricket. Ravichandran Ashwin followed later, announcing his retirement from international cricket after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in December 2024.

Despite their stature, none of the three were given official Farewell Tests, a decision that surprised fans and former players alike. For many, the absence of such matches felt like a missed moment to celebrate an era-defining generation.

Kohli’s Test Legacy

Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of the modern era. Over a 14-year Test career, he scored 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

Beyond numbers, Kohli’s aggressive leadership transformed India into a formidable Test side, especially overseas. His retirement marked the end of a defining chapter in Indian cricket, making the absence of a farewell match even more noticeable.

Rohit Sharma’s Red-Ball Journey

Rohit Sharma featured in 67 Test matches, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, with 12 hundreds and 18 fifties. His success as a Test opener stood out, where he averaged an impressive 42.81.

Rohit’s late transformation into a reliable Test opener remains one of the highlights of his career. Critics argue that a farewell Test would have allowed fans to celebrate this unique journey and contribution.

Ashwin’s Historic Bowling Record

Ravichandran Ashwin concluded his Test career with 537 wickets from 106 matches at an outstanding average of 24. He stands as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, behind only Anil Kumble.

In white-ball cricket, Ashwin claimed 228 wickets across ODIs and T20Is, taking his overall international tally to 765 wickets. He was also part of India’s title-winning squads at the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, further cementing his legendary status.

Why Farewell Tests Matter

Supporters of Farewell Tests argue that these matches offer closure — not just for players, but for fans as well. They allow supporters to express gratitude and create lasting memories associated with a player’s final appearance.

Such games also reinforce a culture of respect within cricketing systems. Panesar believes the BCCI, despite its financial and administrative strength, needs to reflect on how it acknowledges long-serving players.

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What Lies Ahead

While Kohli and Rohit have stepped away from Test cricket, both remain active in the ODI format. Whether the BCCI will organize proper farewells for them in their final limited-overs appearances remains to be seen.

For now, the debate continues, with fans and experts urging Indian cricket authorities to adopt more thoughtful traditions when it comes to honoring legends.

The discussion sparked by Panesar’s remarks serves as a reminder that greatness is not only measured by statistics, but also by how careers are remembered and celebrated.

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