Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 23: As India prepares for a crucial five-Test tour of England starting June 20, head coach Gautam Gambhir has acknowledged the void left by the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the longest format of the game. Speaking to CNN-News18, Gambhir admitted that the absence of the two stalwarts will be a challenge but insisted it offers a golden opportunity for youngsters to rise to the occasion.
“Of course, it will be tough without two senior players,” Gambhir said. “But sometimes, it’s also the chance for someone else to step up and deliver. That’s how great teams are built.”
With both Kohli and Rohit bidding farewell to Test cricket earlier this month, India now finds itself in a transitional phase. Shubman Gill has emerged as the likely candidate to lead the side, and the official squad announcement is expected on Saturday, followed by a press conference by Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
The retirements come after a disappointing run for both batters in recent series. They struggled for form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where India lost 1-3, and failed to impress in the earlier home series against New Zealand, which ended in a 0-3 whitewash.
Reflecting on the retirement calls, Gambhir said, “It’s a very personal decision. No coach, selector, or anyone in this country can tell a player when to retire. It has to come from within.”
While Rohit's decision to retire was anticipated following his withdrawal from the Sydney Test, Kohli's announcement came as a surprise to many in the cricketing world, with expectations that he would feature in one last tour of England.
Gambhir, however, remains optimistic. Drawing parallels with past challenges, he said, “People questioned us during the Champions Trophy when Bumrah wasn’t there. I said then, and I say now—when someone misses out, it opens the door for someone else to shine. I’m confident others will grab this opportunity.”
The Test series will kick off in Leeds, followed by matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Manchester, and The Oval, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Indian Test cricket.