Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket last month, marking the end of an era for Indian red-ball cricket. Shubman Gill takes over as Team India’s Test captain ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant named as vice-captain.
Ben Stokes said that the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin present both a challenge and an opportunity for England. Speaking to the media, the England captain stated that the three legends have left a lasting legacy, but their absence doesn’t make India any less formidable.
Virat ended his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, while Rohit Sharma retired with 4,301 runs from 67 Tests. Both batters faced criticism over their places in the Test side from last year.
Jasprit Bumrah Is a Fantastic Bowler - Ben Stokes
“Jasprit Bumrah is a fantastic bowler. He is going to be a threat but focusing on one individual is not what we are going to be doing. Exciting time for Indian cricket with new leadership role for Shubman Gill,” Stokes added.
England Announce Playing XI for First Test Against India
England have revealed their playing XI for the first Test, with fast-bowling injuries dominating their selection challenges. Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson are all sidelined due to fitness concerns.
Ben Stokes, who returned from injury in the recent Zimbabwe Test, will bat at No. 6. Jamie Smith will don the gloves at No. 7. England will field three seamers, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is the lone spinner in the XI.
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