Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of the Indian cricket team in this era, has announced his retirement from Test cricket on his Instagram page.
With Kohli's departure, the future of the Indian Test team is uncertain as a new era begins. India is scheduled to tour England for a five-match Test series starting June 20. Just two weeks prior, it was business as usual as the selectors were set to announce the squad, which included Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, with both veterans now retired, the Indian selectors face a significant challenge in finding suitable replacements before the squad announcement on May 24, according to reports.
Shubman Gill to Lead India
In light of this new era, Shubman Gill is expected to be named as the Indian captain, a move that has been rumored for months. As one of the brightest stars in the game, he is anticipated to lead India in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from 2025 to 2027, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy on the England tour.
Shubman Gill has emerged as a rising star in Indian cricket, particularly in terms of captaincy. He has been India’s trusted number three in Test cricket for the last three to four years. His leadership with the Gujarat Titans has been exceptional, demonstrating patience and strategic thinking on the field—qualities the selectors likely considered when appointing him as captain. The official announcement is expected around May 23 or 24, alongside the squad announcement.
Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar to Play Key Roles
The retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left a significant void in the team. The selectors will need to find replacements for both the opening and number four batting positions. Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran are rumored to be candidates for the opening slot, while Rajat Patidar is considered for the middle order. Other potential options for the number four position include KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer.
Also Read: Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair in Contention as India 'A’ Squad Set for May 13 Reveal
Return of Shreyas Iyer?
Shreyas Iyer has been impressive since his comeback in 2024, leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL trophy and becoming India’s top run-scorer in recent competitions. He has shown remarkable form while leading the Punjab Kings to the playoffs. With Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket, there may be an opportunity for Iyer to return to the national team. Although there have been no formal discussions about his return, given the current situation, the selectors might consider him for the upcoming England tour, which is a significant series in this WTC cycle.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma sheds light on ODI retirement, says 'I will stop when...'
