In a surprising turn of events, Taliban leader Anas Haqqani has weighed in on the retirement decisions of Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stirring debate across the cricketing world. Speaking on journalist Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Haqqani remarked that while Rohit Sharma’s decision to step away from Test cricket was understandable, Virat Kohli’s retirement was premature and disappointing. He even suggested that Kohli should aim to play till the age of 50, citing his unmatched fitness and global stature.
The comments have triggered widespread reactions from fans, analysts, and former cricketers, reigniting discussions around Kohli’s legacy and the timing of his exit from the longest format of the game.
Kohli’s Test Retirement: A Sudden Goodbye to Red-Ball Glory
Virat Kohli officially retired from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, concluding a 14-year career that saw him play 123 matches and amass 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and seven double hundreds. He led India in 68 Tests, winning 40 and losing 17, making him one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history.
| Virat Kohli – Test Career Summary | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 123 |
| Runs Scored | 9,230 |
| Batting Average | 52.1 |
| Centuries | 30 |
| Double Centuries | 7 |
| Matches as Captain | 68 |
| Wins as Captain | 40 |
Kohli’s retirement came just months after India’s triumphant T20 World Cup win in Barbados, where he played a match-winning knock of 76 in the final against South Africa. His announcement on social media expressed gratitude for the format and a desire to move on after giving it his all.
Haqqani’s Remarks: A Political Voice in Cricket’s Arena
Anas Haqqani, a senior Taliban figure known for his interest in cricket, expressed admiration for Kohli’s career and questioned the rationale behind his early retirement. “Rohit’s retirement from Tests was justified. I don’t know the cause behind Kohli’s retirement. Very few people across the world are that unique. I would like him to play till 50,” Haqqani said.
He speculated that media pressure might have influenced Kohli’s decision and compared his longevity potential to England’s Joe Root, who is still chasing Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test run record.
| Haqqani’s Commentary Highlights | Statement |
|---|---|
| On Rohit Sharma | “Retirement justified” |
| On Virat Kohli | “Should play till 50” |
| On Media Pressure | “Maybe he was irritated by Indian media” |
| On Joe Root | “Still chasing Tendulkar’s tally” |
The Taliban leader’s comments, though unconventional, reflect the global reach of cricket and the emotional connection fans and observers have with iconic players like Kohli.
Rohit Sharma’s Exit: A Calculated Decision
Rohit Sharma, who retired from Test cricket days before Kohli, had a less impactful final phase in the format. He averaged just 10.93 across his last 15 innings, prompting speculation about his form and fitness. Unlike Kohli, Rohit has continued to play ODIs and remains part of India’s leadership group in white-ball cricket.
| Rohit Sharma – Final Test Phase | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Last 15 Innings Average | 10.93 |
| Last Century in Tests | March 2023 |
| Test Matches Played | 58 |
| Test Runs | 4,120 |
Rohit’s decision was widely accepted as timely, with many analysts agreeing that his red-ball career had run its course.
Global Reactions: From Chris Gayle to Indian Fans
Haqqani’s comments echo sentiments shared by former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle, who also felt Kohli retired too early. “Cricket will miss him 100%. He’s a massive, massive figure for the game,” Gayle said on the same podcast.
Indian fans have expressed mixed emotions—some supporting Kohli’s right to choose his moment, while others lament the loss of a player who still had much to offer in Tests.
| Public Sentiment on Kohli’s Retirement | Opinion |
|---|---|
| Former Cricketers | “Too early” |
| Fans on Social Media | “Mixed reactions” |
| Analysts | “Could have played 2–3 more years” |
Kohli’s Legacy: Beyond Numbers and Formats
Virat Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket transcends statistics. He redefined fitness standards, brought aggression and intensity to the team, and inspired a generation of cricketers. His leadership during overseas tours, especially in Australia and England, earned him global respect.
Even after stepping away from Tests and T20Is, Kohli remains active in ODIs and is expected to feature in the upcoming series against Australia following the Asia Cup campaign.
| Kohli’s Impact Areas | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Fitness Revolution | Yo-Yo test benchmark |
| Captaincy | Overseas wins, aggressive mindset |
| Batting Consistency | Across all formats |
| Mentorship | Influence on Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad |
Looking Ahead: Kohli’s ODI Future and India’s Transition
With both Kohli and Rohit now retired from Tests and T20Is, India’s leadership mantle has shifted to younger stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya. Kohli’s presence in ODIs continues to be vital, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy and World Cup cycles ahead.
| India’s ODI Core (Post Kohli-Rohit Test Exit) | Role |
|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | Captain |
| Shubman Gill | Vice-Captain |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Opener |
| Virat Kohli | Senior Batter |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Lead Bowler |
Kohli’s experience and temperament will be crucial as India navigates a generational shift in its cricketing structure.
Conclusion: A Retirement That Still Echoes
Anas Haqqani’s unexpected commentary on Virat Kohli’s retirement has reignited conversations about timing, legacy, and the emotional weight of cricketing decisions. While Kohli’s choice was personal and deeply considered, the global reaction—including from political figures—shows just how far his influence extends.
Whether or not Kohli returns to red-ball cricket remains uncertain, but his legacy is firmly etched in the annals of cricket history. For now, fans will cherish his ODI appearances and hope that the legend continues to inspire—perhaps not till 50, but certainly for a few more years.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews, podcast excerpts, and verified news reports. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political commentary or endorsement. All opinions quoted are attributed to their respective sources.
