Gill to lead India as Kohli era ends, urging young players to step up

Shubman Gill has been appointed to lead the Indian Test cricket team following the retirement of Virat Kohli, marking the end of an era.

Kohli, who retired earlier this month, is India's fourth-highest run scorer in Test cricket with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 across 123 matches. His career was distinguished by 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, and he maintained an annual average above 55 between 2016 and 2019.

Despite his success, Kohli struggled with deliveries outside off stump, which ultimately contributed to his decision to retire. His final dismissal saw him edge Scott Boland to Steve Smith, a moment that symbolized the challenges he faced in his later years.

Former South African great AB de Villiers praised Kohli's legacy, stating that he will be missed in Test cricket and leaves behind a significant impact on the longest format.

Gill inherits a team missing the experience of Kohli and other recently retired players. He emphasized the need for younger players to rise to the occasion, saying, 'Yes, it’s time for the younger guys to step up… taking on the responsibility.'

This leadership transition signals a new chapter for Indian Test cricket, focusing on nurturing emerging talent to fill the void left by Kohli's departure.

Shubman Gill is set to lead India as Virat Kohli's Test era ends, urging young players to embrace responsibility. Kohli retired as India's fourth-highest Test run scorer with 9,230 runs, leaving a legacy marked by 30 centuries and a peak average above 55 between 2016-2019.