New Skipper, New Chapter: India’s Test Era Begins Without Kohli and Rohit

Image Source: Times of India

India’s fiveTest tour of England, starting June 20 at Headingley, marks a seismic shift in the nation’s redball cricket. For the first time in over a decade, the team takes the field without stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom retired from Test cricket last month. The baton now passes to Shubman Gill, who steps in as captain and inherits Kohli’s iconic No. 4 spot in the batting order.

Key Highlights:

Shubman Gill, 25, leads a youthful squad featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Rishabh Pant (vicecaptain), with KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja offering experience.
Gill’s Test average stands at 35, but dips significantly in overseas conditions—just 15 in England—raising questions about his dual role as captain and key batter.
Jasprit Bumrah returns from injury but may be rotated due to workload. Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin are unavailable, adding pressure on India’s bowling depth.

England, too, are in transition, missing legends James Anderson and Stuart Broad, with Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes leading a younger pace attack.
Former England captain Joe Root called Kohli and Rohit “Indian legends,” while Geoffrey Boycott suggested Kohli’s absence will be felt more than Rohit’s.
The series kicks off India’s new World Test Championship cycle, with both teams eager to assert dominance early.

Outlook:

With fresh faces and high stakes, this series could redefine India’s Test identity. All eyes are on Gill—not just to lead, but to inspire a new generation.

Sources: Economic Times, Firstpost, MSN Sports