India great Navjot Singh Sidhu believes Virat Kohli’s reported desire to step away from Test cricket comes from a noble place but the timing, he says, couldn’t be worse. As India prepares for a tough five-Test tour of England, Sidhu urged the former skipper to reconsider and stand tall for the team in a transitional phase. According to a report in The Indian Express, Kohli informed the BCCI of his intent to retire from the longest format ahead of the England tour, prompting senior board officials to convince him to reconsider. With Rohit Sharma already retiring from Tests earlier this week, Kohli’s absence would leave a massive void in both experience and leadership. READ: India’s influence behind PSL’s Dubai snub? BCCI-Jay Shah link revealed: Report Reacting to the developments in a video posted on social media, Sidhu praised Kohli’s intent but stressed that the national team needs him now more than ever. “Virat Kohli’s decision — that he wants to retire — has created a stir across the cricketing world. His intention is right, his motive is noble — that ‘the old order must change, yielding place to the new.’ But the timing and occasion are not appropriate, because the pride and prestige of India are on the line,” Sidhu said. Kohli's intent noble...timing wrong - India will need his experience in England |Watch Full Video - https://t.co/vKFon4XwEL @imVkohli @BCCI @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/LHx8T1S2Oj — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) May 10, 2025 "Kohli can be our knight in shining armour in England": Sidhu Sidhu further explained why Kohli’s presence is crucial for the upcoming England series, describing the tour as the ultimate Test challenge even for seasoned teams. With Rohit gone, Kohli’s experience, he said, could guide a young Indian side. “We are heading into a tour that is the toughest litmus test even for other Test-playing nations. Why do I say that Kohli can be our ‘knight in shining armour’ in England? Because he has the experience, especially after Rohit Sharma’s departure. You can’t send an inexperienced side to England,” Sidhu added. Sidhu wasn’t the only voice in support of Kohli continuing. Several players, including Brian Lara, have asked Kohli to reconsider his decision. Former teammate Ambati Rayudu penned an emotional message requesting Kohli not to retire. “Virat Kohli please don’t retire. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India. Please reconsider,” Rayudu said. India are expected to select the squad for the five-match Test series in England by the end of this month. With no Rohit Sharma, India is expected to name a new captain as well.