Team India is officially entering a new era in Test cricket without the stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma — and cricketing voices around the world are weighing in. Among them is none other than Geoffrey Boycott, the straight-talking former England opener, who’s never been shy of calling it as he sees it.
In his latest column for a British daily, Boycott gave a no-nonsense comparison between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom recently retired from Test cricket, leaving Indian fans nostalgic and, frankly, a little nervous.
Kohli’s Exit Hits Harder, Says Boycott
While both players have had glittering careers, Boycott believes Kohli’s departure is the bigger blow.
“Virat carried India’s batting for years,” he wrote. “He had little rest and immense pressure. That kind of load takes a mental toll, no matter how strong or talented you are.”
Kohli’s work ethic, passion, and performances — especially overseas — were hallmarks of his reign. Losing that presence in the middle order right before a tough Test series in England? That’s bound to sting.
Rohit’s Retirement: Understandable
Boycott was more sympathetic to Rohit Sharma, noting that the opener’s struggles with fitness and the physical demands of captaincy made his decision more expected.
“Rohit was never a natural athlete like Kohli,” Boycott pointed out. “Opening the innings in England is a different beast altogether. You need to be sharp, mentally and physically. It’s a draining job.”
As graceful as Rohit’s strokeplay could be, especially on flat decks, the reality is that the grind of Test cricket, especially in swinging English conditions, may have taken a heavier toll on him.
A New Era Under Shubman Gill
With both senior pros stepping aside almost simultaneously, India has turned the page — and quickly. Shubman Gill will now lead the red-ball side, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy.
For the first time in over a decade, India’s Test XI will walk out without Kohli or Rohit, marking the end of a golden era. It’s bold. It’s fresh. But it’s also untested — and England is not the easiest place for experimentation.
England vs India
India’s transition begins with the toughest challenge in the calendar — a five-Test series in England, kicking off June 20 at Headingley. From there, the battle moves to Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.
Whether Gill’s India can handle the Dukes ball under cloudy skies is anyone’s guess. But one thing’s for sure — they’ll do it without the safety net of their two biggest names.
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