AGENCIES

Indian cricket is on the cusp of a historic transition. For the first time in more than a decade, their Test squad will be without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma -- two stalwarts who have defined an era of dominance, resilience, and unmatched passion.

In a single week, both batting maestro Kohli and inspirational captain Rohit have bowed out from the longest format, leaving a void in the Indian lineup and in hearts of millions.

Their exits, following spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement last year, signal the end of a golden chapter.

Now, the responsibility of ushering in a new era falls on the young shoulders of Shubman Gill. The elegant right-hander, seen as the natural heir to the leadership, is widely tipped to lead India in the five-Test series against England, starting June 20. Though he boasts five centuries in 32 Tests, his overseas average of 29.50 remains a concern.

Gill is expected to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal, 23, while the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar battle to fill Kohli’s shoes.

Behind the stumps, Rishabh Pant remains a wildcard -- talented but inconsistent, and with leadership still under question after a lukewarm IPL season.

Bowling responsibilities now lie with a younger, hungrier attack. While Jasprit Bumrah brings experience and star quality, his recent injury troubles may rule him out of a leadership role.

Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and a fit-again Mohammed Shami could form the pace battery, with Ravindra Jadeja and potentially Washington Sundar taking spin duties.

Cricket pundit Ayaz Memon acknowledges the scale of the shift, calling Kohli’s exit “a big moment in Indian cricket.” But he also highlights the depth in India’s talent pool. “They look good. It’s a strong bench,” he said.

Former selector Sandeep Patil echoes that optimism. “The two pillars have gone, but if one player exits, the next one is ready,” he noted.

The stage is set. The question now is not just who steps up, but how this generation will write its own legacy in the unforgiving cauldron of Test cricket.