Delhi: Joe Root and Steve Smith are continuously making new records in Test cricket. On the first day of the fifth Test of the Ashes, Joe Root scored his 41st Test century. With this, he reached joint third place in the list of players who have scored most centuries in Test history. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis are ahead of him.

The very next day, Steve Smith also scored a century. This was the 37th century of his career and 13th in the Ashes. Only Don Bradman has more centuries in the Ashes than him.

Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his displeasure on Kohli

Amidst these achievements, former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar expressed grief over Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket. He said, “When I look at Joe Root and Steve Smith, I remember Virat Kohli. His departure from Test cricket was a bit disappointing. In the last five years, Virat’s average in Tests was around 31. I think he could have worked more on his weaknesses.”

He also said, “It would have been understandable if Virat had retired from cricket completely. But, the decision to play only ODIs disappoints me more because it is the easiest format for batsmen.”

Referring to fitness, Manjrekar said, “Virat is very fit. He could have tried to make a comeback by playing domestic cricket or playing first class matches in England and Australia.”

Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025. He scored runs in 123 test matches at an average of 46.85. However, in the last few years his form has not been the same as before.