Kohli’s brother tears into BCCI; alleges Virat, Rohit were 'removed' from Tests: 'This happens when you boss around'

By Admin

26 Nov, 2025

India’s ongoing struggle in Test cricket has sparked a firestorm of criticism, and the latest – and most unexpected – voice to join the debate is Vikas Kohli, brother of former India captain Virat Kohli. His posts on Instagram’s Threads, which were later deleted, surfaced soon after India lost two quick wickets on Day 4 of the Guwahati Test while chasing a massive 549, with yet another humiliating defeat looming.

As India stare at a second home Test series whitewash in just 12 months, Vikas launched a scathing attack on head coach Gautam Gambhir and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, blaming them for India’s steep decline in a format the team once dominated.

A Golden Era Lost

Between December 2012 and October 2024, India did not lose a single Test series at home. This extraordinary streak, considered one of the most dominant runs in Test history, was shaped under Virat Kohli’s aggressive leadership before he handed over the reins to Rohit Sharma in early 2022.

Not only were India unbeatable at home, but they also transformed into one of the strongest touring teams ever, clinching back-to-back Border-Gavaskar series in Australia – a feat few thought possible.

Vikas, contrasting that era with the current state of affairs, lamented how a team once aiming to conquer overseas conditions is now struggling to survive even at home.

He wrote:
“There was a time that we played to win even in overseas conditions… Now we are playing to save the match… even in India… This is what happens when you try to boss around and change things unnecessary which were not broken….”

“Rohit and Kohli Were Removed, Not Retired”

In another post that quickly went viral before being deleted, Vikas doubled down on his criticism of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He claimed that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not step away from Test cricket voluntarily – instead, they were “removed.”

He compared India’s selection decisions with South Africa’s disciplined and traditional Test approach. According to him, while South Africa stuck to specialist roles, India overloaded the team with all-rounders, even pushing Washington Sundar to bat at No. 3.

His second post questioned the logic behind India’s recent tactics:
“So let’s break it down: Team India strategy: remove senior experienced players. Remove proper 3/4/5 batsmen. Play bowler at no. 3. Use all all-rounders… SOUTH AFRICA STRATEGY: Play proper Test match team: Specialist openers, Specialist no 3/4/5/6 batters, Specialist spinners, Specialist fast bowlers and maybe 1 all-rounder…”

He added that while he still hopes for a miracle on the final day, accountability is necessary for the collapse the team is now facing.

India’s Downward Spiral Under the New Regime

Since Gautam Gambhir took charge as head coach in July last year, India’s Test fortunes have nosedived. After an early win against Bangladesh, India lost a home series to New Zealand and then surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. These back-to-back losses eliminated India from the 2023–25 World Test Championship race after being in contention for a final berth.

Post the retirements of stalwarts like Kohli, Rohit, and Ravichandran Ashwin, the team managed a 2–2 draw in England under Shubman Gill’s leadership. Many still believe India should have defeated a weakened Ben Stokes-led side. A home win against West Indies briefly calmed nerves, but South Africa’s dominant performance has once again exposed deeper structural issues.

A Call for Serious Questions

Vikas Kohli’s posts reflect a sentiment that many fans have expressed in recent months: frustration, confusion, and concern over India’s Test future. Whether one agrees with his words or not, his pointed questions echo loudly across the cricketing fraternity:

Who is responsible for India’s decline?
Why were proven match-winners sidelined?
And how did a team once feared for its Test supremacy reach this point?

As India teeters on the brink of yet another home whitewash, these questions can no longer be ignored.