Ro-Ko’s Quiet Exit: Legends Deserved a Better Goodbye
Did Indian cricket fail to give its modern giants the farewell they truly earned?
Cricket, beyond its boundaries and scorecards, is an emotional pursuit. It lives on sentiment, thrives on legacy, and finds immortality in moments of triumph, heartbreak, and the reverence shown to its greats. But one area where Indian cricket continues to falter is in handling farewells with consistency.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India does not have a clear policy on honoring retiring players. This lack of structure became evident even in 2013, when the board had to make a special allowance for Sachin Tendulkar to play his farewell Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium — a gesture that felt right, poetic, and richly deserved.
Fast forward to the present, and the quiet exits of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — two pillars of modern Indian cricket — stand in sharp contrast. While neither cricketer publicly demanded a ceremonial send-off, the board could have taken the initiative to acknowledge their legacy.
What led to sudden exit?
Media reports suggest no attempt was made to retain them. It is understood that Virat expressed interest in playing the England series, and Rohit was fit and prepared to lead — but head coach Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar’s selection panel reportedly said a firm “no.” Now, both Kohli and Rohit will leave without a guard of honor, without applause from teammates, and emotional moment shared with fans.
Voices like Anil Kumble’s have pointed out that these icons deserved better. Cricket is not merely a game — it is a saga written in emotion, admiration, and moments that outlive careers. As the dust settles on Ro-Ko’s era, one question remains: Did Indian cricket fail to give its modern giants the farewell they truly earned?
