India-England series kicks off ICC World Test Championship 2025-27: post-Kohli, Rohit era begins

The India-England Test series commencing on June 20 officially launches the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, marking a new chapter in Indian cricket following the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Rohit Sharma retired on May 7 after an 11-year Test career spanning 67 matches, while Kohli announced his retirement on May 12, just over a month before the series. Kohli concluded his career with an impressive 9,230 runs in 122 Tests, narrowly missing the 10,000-run milestone by 770 runs.

England's James Anderson, a legendary seamer, named Kohli as the toughest batter he ever faced, even surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in difficulty. Anderson highlighted Kohli's technical skill and resilience, noting that across 36 innings, Kohli scored 305 runs off Anderson at an average of 43.57, despite being dismissed seven times.

Former teammates have praised the leadership styles of both Rohit and Kohli. Gill commended Rohit's aggressive tactics and clear communication, describing him as both firm and approachable. Reflecting on Kohli's captaincy, Gill admired his proactive approach in Test matches, particularly his innovative field placements and strategic thinking.

This series not only inaugurates the new World Test Championship cycle but also symbolizes the transition into a post-Kohli, Rohit era, setting the stage for emerging talents to shape the future of Indian Test cricket.

"When I played under Virat bhai, I think his proactiveness in the test matches with the field or with the ideas or with his thinking was something that I liked and that I picked up," Gill said.

The cricketing world watches closely as India embarks on this new journey, honoring the legacy of two of its greatest players while embracing the challenges ahead.

The India-England series starting June 20 marks the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 kickoff, ushering in a post-Kohli, Rohit era. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired in May 2025, ending illustrious Test careers. Kohli, with 9,230 runs, was hailed by Anderson as the toughest batter faced.