The past six months have marked a significant turning point for Indian Test cricket. In a swift succession of retirements, three titans of the sport – Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have bid farewell to the Test arena.
R Ashwin initiated this shift, retiring midway through the Australia tour, followed by Rohit Sharma’s announcement and then Virat Kohli’s just few days later.
The departure of these three stalwarts means the Indian Test side has collectively lost an astounding 296 Tests’ worth of experience. This void will be acutely felt as the team gears up for their first major assignment without them — a demanding five-Test series against England. The Indian team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledges the immense challenge ahead but views it as a prime opportunity for the team to forge a new identity and achieve something extraordinary.
Gautam Gambhir articulated his perspective in a video shared by the BCCI, stating, “All I want to say is there are two ways of looking at this group. One is that we are without our three most experienced players, or we’ve got this phenomenal opportunity to do something special.”
He emphasised the need for the Test squad members to embrace sacrifice, step out of their comfort zones and rediscover the joy of representing their nation. “And when I look around this group, the hunger, the passion and the commitment to do something special… If we make sacrifices, if we come out of our comfort zones, if we start fighting, not every day, but every session, every hour and every ball, I think we can have a memorable tour. So make sure we start that today. Start enjoying playing for the country because there’s no bigger honour,” Gambhir urged.
With Rohit Sharma’s retirement, Shubman Gill has been appointed the new Test captain and he fully aligns with Gambhir’s vision. Shubman Gill stressed the importance of intentional preparation, saying “Let’s make each and every net session meaningful, and let’s prepare like that. Let’s put ourselves under a little bit of pressure when we’re going out there. Let’s try to – it’s not about going out there and surviving. Let’s try to find our game, how we’re going to play when we’re put under pressure, be it bowlers or batters. And let’s make the practice match and each and every net very meaningful, and let’s play every ball with purpose.”
Here is the video:
Click to watch this video directly on Instagram
The highly anticipated first Test against England is scheduled to begin on June 20. This series will undoubtedly be a true test of character and skill for the new-look Indian side.
What are your thoughts on Shubman Gill taking over as the Test captain?
