The Legends of Indian Cricket: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – A Legacy to Remember

Introduction: The Changing of the Guard in Indian Cricket

Indian cricket has been blessed with numerous greats, but two names have stood out in the modern era: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both have redefined the game, not only with their bat but also through their leadership and sheer presence on the field. As both cricketers near the twilight of their careers, speculations around their Test retirements have been building. While the two are still at the peak of their powers, the question remains: when will they retire from the longest format of the game?

In this blog, we’ll explore their remarkable careers, achievements, and impact on Indian cricket, and analyse what their retirement could mean for the sport and even for investors in the business side of cricket.

The Rise of Rohit Sharma: From "The Hitman" to Captaincy

Early Career: A Star is Born

Rohit Sharma’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of a fairy tale. Born in Mumbai, he initially struggled to break into the Indian team, but when he finally got his opportunity, he made it count in spectacular fashion. Known for his elegant stroke play, Rohit’s ability to play big innings, particularly in limited-overs cricket, soon made him a regular in all formats. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that he was moved to open the batting in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), which proved to be a game-changer.

Breaking Records

• ODI Triple Century: Rohit is the only player in history to have scored three double centuries in ODIs, including a record-breaking 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014.
• Test Cricket: Rohit’s Test career started slowly, but he made an incredible impact when he became an opener in the format. His technique, though initially questioned, adapted, and he became the first player to score a double century in Test cricket as an opener in the 2019 series against South Africa.
• Captaincy: Rohit’s leadership was proven when he took over the reins as the captain of India’s T20 side and later became the full-time captain of the Indian team. Under his leadership, India has enjoyed remarkable success, including winning the 2020 Asia Cup and leading the Mumbai Indians to multiple Indian Premier League (IPL) titles.

Key Achievements in Tests (as of 2025):

• 7 centuries in Test cricket
• 45.3 batting average
• Career-high score of 212 runs
• 4,200+ runs in 45 matches (as of early 2025)
• Part of the World Test Championship finals in 2021

His leadership abilities and aggressive batting have made him a cornerstone of Indian cricket. As he moves towards the latter stages of his career, retirement rumours swirl, especially as the IPL and other formats demand more of his time. However, with the way Rohit Sharma is playing, it seems that his retirement from Test cricket might be a while away, but when it comes, it will be a massive void to fill.

Virat Kohli: A Modern Legend in Indian Cricket

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Virat Kohli’s journey from a young Delhi boy to becoming one of the greatest modern-day cricketers is nothing short of inspirational. Known for his intense passion and mental toughness, Kohli quickly became the face of Indian cricket after breaking into the national team in 2008. His aggressive batting and leadership qualities set him apart, and he was soon hailed as a future captain.

Breaking Records Across Formats

Kohli’s consistency and hunger for runs have been unmatched, particularly in the longest format of the game.

• Test Cricket: As of 2025, Kohli has been one of the finest Test batsmen in the world. His ability to score under pressure, coupled with his mental resilience, has helped him make a mark in the most challenging cricket format.
• Captaincy: Kohli became India’s Test captain in 2014, a role in which he flourished and took India to great heights. Under his leadership, India reached the No. 1 position in Test rankings and achieved historic series wins, including the 2020-21 series in Australia.
• Key Achievements:
  • 27 Test centuries, second only to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in Indian cricket.
  • Over 8,000 runs in Tests at an average of 53.5.
  • A career-high score of 254 runs*.
  • Leading India to victories in England, Australia, and the West Indies.

Financial Impact and Branding

Kohli’s influence extends beyond the cricket field. He is a global brand ambassador, with lucrative endorsements that have made him one of the highest-earning cricketers in the world. His popularity and brand value make him an attractive figure for investors, especially as the global sports and entertainment sector sees increasing interest in cricket.

In finance terms, Kohli has revolutionized the way athletes use their platform to generate additional income. His presence in advertisements, along with his own ventures in health and fitness, apparel, and other sectors, has set a new standard for cricketers turning into entrepreneurs.

The Financial Side of Retirement: What Does It Mean for Investors?

End of an Era

As both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli inch closer to retirement, their exit from Test cricket will leave a huge gap. For investors in cricket-related stocks, including companies like Star Sports and IPL franchises, these transitions will require strategic planning. Kohli’s brand alone, which has been integral to numerous sponsorship deals, will leave a lasting impact on Indian sports marketing.

On the financial side, their retirements could signal shifts in the valuation of cricket-related investments, especially in broadcasting and media rights. These sectors have grown significantly with the rise of both Kohli and Rohit as the face of modern cricket. The retirement of these icons could change the dynamics of cricket viewership and sponsorship deals, which, in turn, may alter long-term investment strategies in the sport.

Brand Value and Sponsorships

Kohli and Rohit’s endorsement portfolios include brands like Nike, Audi, MRF, and many others. Their departure could create opportunities for new players to rise on the brand front, especially for emerging cricketers or those already on the cusp of superstardom.

Investors in the Indian sports industry could keep an eye on the next generation of cricketers—like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul—to understand where the future of sponsorships and cricket merchandise might lie.

Rohit and Virat’s Impact on Indian Cricket’s Legacy

Both players have been a driving force behind India’s remarkable success in recent years. Rohit’s calm leadership and explosive batting have made him an ideal match for modern cricket’s demands. Kohli, on the other hand, redefined aggression and passion in cricket, giving India an iconic leader who wasn’t afraid to take on the world.

Their impact extends beyond statistics. The way they have influenced the game, both tactically and mentally, has set a precedent for future generations. Their leadership in guiding young players through high-pressure situations and showing what it takes to succeed at the international level has reshaped Indian cricket.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Kohli and Rohit

As the potential retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket draw near, we are witnessing the end of an era. Their careers have been filled with groundbreaking achievements and inspirational leadership. They have not only defined an entire generation of cricket fans but have also become significant financial figures in the world of sports.

For the Indian cricket team, the challenge will be to fill the void left by these two legends. But for investors, the retirements of these giants will mark the beginning of a new era in cricket. Their legacy, both on and off the field, will continue to influence the sport for many years to come.

As we bid adieu to these icons in the future, we can only be grateful for the moments they’ve provided and look forward to seeing how Indian cricket will evolve.