Moeen Ali says Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement is a massive boost for England

Former England Test all-rounder Moeen Ali reckons Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement is a massive boost for the Three Lions, ahead of the five-match Test series. Kohli amassed 9230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.

Rohit played 67 Tests during an 11-year career, leading in 24 of them since taking over the reins of the team from Virat Kohli in 2022. He ends his career with a total of 4301 runs, including 12 centuries.

Rohit Sharma announced his Test retirement on May 7 whereas Kohli announced his retirement from the red-ball version on Monday.

Kohli scored only 190 runs in five Test matches on the Australian tour at an average of 23.75 and thus doubts over his Test future were raised by many experts. On the other hand, Rohit could only manage 31 runs in three Test matches against the Aussies at an average of 6.20.

Ali believes India will certainly miss the veteran duo’s experience on the England tour.

Moeen Ali said on Sky Sports, “Definitely, I think it’s a massive boost for England. Two top players who’ve been to England a few times on tour, so they have experience. I remember Rohit playing really well the last time they were in England. The character they have, the leaders they (are), both of them have captained India in Test cricket, so yeah, a massive loss for the team.”

Ali, who is playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing IPL 2025, said Virat Kohli’s retirement is a massive blow as the talisman always pushed the boundaries in the red-ball version.

“It’s (Kohli’s retirement) a massive blow to Test cricket. He was the one pioneer, the one guy in Test cricket that always pushed the format. Amazing player, amazing career.”

Both Kohli and Rohit will be seen in action in IPL 2025, which will resume on May 17.