Quiet before the storm - Kohli, Rohit absences dampen England vs India Test opener vibe

As India embarks on a new Test era under Shubman Gill's captaincy, the absence of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has cast a subdued mood over the crucial five-match series opener at Headingley on June 20. This report explores the team's transitional challenges, key player form, and the high stakes of India's quest to assert dominance in the World Test Championship cycle.

Sources:
Icc-cricketFreepressjournalDeccanchronicle+7
Updated 7h ago
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Sources: ThedailyjagranDeccanchronicleCricbuzz+3
As the highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and England kicks off on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, the Indian team is navigating a significant transition. The sudden retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have left a void, thrusting young Shubman Gill into the captaincy role.

Kohli, who retired at 36 as India's most successful Test skipper with 40 wins in 68 Tests, surprised the cricketing world by stepping away just weeks before the series. Despite his absence on the field, Kohli remains involved, having hosted new captain Gill, deputy Rishabh Pant, and others at his London residence days before the opener.

The atmosphere at Headingley is notably subdued, described as a "siesta" ahead of the marquee clash, reflecting the uncertainty and pressure on the new leadership. Gill, tasked with forging a new identity for India in the World Test Championship cycle, faces immense expectations.

With veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane fading from the scene, KL Rahul emerges as the senior-most batsman, bringing experience from 58 Tests and hundreds in challenging conditions abroad.

"This is a team stepping into a new era, trying to forge its identity for the next WTC cycle after missing out on the final for the first time," analysts note.

The bowling attack also sees strategic decisions, with Ravindra Jadeja as frontline spinner and debates around the No.8 spot and pace options.

In sum, the series opener is more than a match; it is a test of resilience and renewal for Indian cricket, balancing the legacy of legends with the promise of youth.
Sources: Thedailyjagran
India's Test cricket team faces a transitional phase as the England series opener on June 20 approaches, marked by the surprising retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. New captain Shubman Gill leads a youthful squad, with Kohli hosting select players in London ahead of the Leeds Test.
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The Headline

Kohli and Rohit retire; Gill leads India in quiet series start

Key Facts
  • Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket on May 12 at age 36, surprising many and shocking the cricketing fraternity as he was a legend who championed Test cricket as the ultimate format.FreepressjournalDeccanchronicle
  • Rohit Sharma also retired suddenly, marking a new era for Indian Test cricket alongside Kohli's departure.1
  • Shubman Gill was appointed as the new Test captain for India and will lead the team in the series starting June 20 in Leeds.Thedailyjagran2
  • Virat Kohli hosted a two-hour meeting at his London residence with Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, and others ahead of the series opener.Freepressjournal4Deccanchronicle+1
  • Ravi Shastri predicted India's playing XI for the first Test, including a comeback for Karun Nair after 8 years and decisions on the bowling attack.Icc-cricket2
  • KL Rahul is the senior-most batsman in the current Indian Test lineup but faces scrutiny over his consistency and form.2Indianexpress
  • The five-match Test series against England is set to begin on June 20 at Headingley, marking the start of a new World Test Championship cycle.Crictoday2
  • Kohli is expected to attend at least two Test matches in London despite his retirement from Test cricket.Deccanchronicle
  • The atmosphere ahead of the series opener at Headingley is quiet and subdued, impacted by the absence of Kohli and Rohit Sharma.Cricbuzz1
Virat Kohli’s retirement came as a shock.
Hindustan Times
1
The remaining questions surround the make-up of India’s bowling attack.
Icc-cricket
Icc-cricket
It’s not just a position; it’s a legacy.
Hindustantimes
1
Team India batter Virat Kohli reportedly hosted a few players from the squad ahead of the opening Test against England on June 20 at the Headingley in Leeds.
Freepressjournal
Freepressjournal
The 36-year-old led India in 68 test games, out of which the team won 40.
Deccanchronicle
Deccanchronicle
Despite his surprising retirement from Tests, Kohli is expected to keep an eye on the proceedings in the England series, which was evident from several reports, claiming that he invited the new Test captain Shubman Gill, his deputy Rishabh Pant and a few others to his residence in London just days before the opener in Leeds.
Thedailyjagran
Thedailyjagran
It is Monday afternoon, four days out from the start of a marquee five-Test series, but Headingley feels like it's enjoying a siesta.
Cricbuzz
1
In the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and with Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane blurring as distant objects in the Indian cricket’s rearview mirror, he is now the senior most Test batsman in England.
Indianexpress
Indianexpress
All the attention would be around India's newly-appointed captain Shubman Gill.
Republicworld
Republicworld
Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and retired from Test cricket and the team is navigating through a transitional phase.
Crictoday
Crictoday
Key Stats at a Glance
KL Rahul's total Tests played
58 Tests
Indianexpress

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Background Context

Kohli's legacy and India's Test transition context

Key Facts
  • Virat Kohli retired as the most successful Indian Test skipper, leading India in 68 Tests with 40 wins, including the first series victory in Australia.FreepressjournalDeccanchronicle
  • The No.4 batting position in Indias Test team has been a legacy slot, held by generational greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
  • India is navigating a transitional phase in Test cricket with Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired and a fresh captain at the helm aiming to forge a new identity for the next WTC cycle.CrictodayCricbuzz2
Key Stats at a Glance
Virat Kohli's Test captaincy record
40 wins in 68 Tests
Freepressjournal
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