India will begin its new era in Test cricket under the captaincy of Shubman Gill after the retirement of two stalwarts of Indian cricket -- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
The five-match India vs England Test series is set to kick off on June 20, 2025, which also coincides with the beginning of a new cycle of the World Test Championship.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
Kohli's retirement in particular, from red-ball cricket, came as a shock as he was expected to make a statement in England following a disastrous tour of Australia in late 2024. His absence not only leaves a void in India's middle order but also deprives the young core of his invaluable experience and leadership.
Following RCB's win in IPL 2025, Kohli made an interesting remark about Test cricket, prompting many experts and fans to believe that he might still have the desire to play the red-ball format.
During the IPL final's post-match interview, the India star said:
"This moment is right up there with the best moments I’ve had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That’s how much I value Test cricket. And that’s how much I love Test cricket. So I would just urge the youngsters coming through to treat that format with respect."
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke made an interesting claim regarding Kohli's future while also previewing the upcoming India vs England Test series.
MORE: Cricket Australia picks their WTC 2023-25 Team of the Year: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma miss out
What did Michael Clarke say about Virat Kohli's Test retirement?
Clarke was speaking on his Beyond23 cricket podcast, where he noted the absence of Kohli and Rohit in India's squad for the England tour. The Aussie believed that the Indian star Kohli decided to retire by himself. and does not think he was forced to step down.
"Virat Kohli walks away from Test cricket. Devastating. What an absolute champion he's been. And Test cricket will miss him," Clarke said.
"I think he [Kohli] definitely made the choice to retire. And those two players [Kohli and Rohit Sharma] will be missed dearly. But India's got so much potential and talent," he added.
Can Virat Kohli return from Test retirement in the future?
Clarke made a bold claim when he was asked if Kohli can reverse his decision and come out of Test retirement in the future. He agreed, while also providing a possible scenario when that could happen -- if India lose 5-0 to England in the upcoming Test tour.
"I believe this. If India go to England and gets flogged, if they lose the series 5-0, for example, I think the fans will want Virat Kohli to come out of retirement and play test cricket again."
"And I honestly, I think if he was asked by the captain, selectors, and supported by fans, if they get beaten big time in England, I think he'll come [back]," Clarke claimed.
MORE: When is WTC final? Dates, schedule for World Test Championship 2025
Clarke further noted that Kohli's speech on Test cricket after the IPL 2025 showed that he still had a passion for the longest format and looks at it as the "pinnacle" of the game.
"He still loves test cricket. I think his words, like you could hear his passion for Test cricket, is real. He sees it as the pinnacle, and he's still playing good enough cricket."
"He definitely made the call to retire, and whatever his reasons are,
everybody comes to that time in their career. If that's the case, then so be it."
Will India lose 5-0 to England in the upcoming 2025 Test series?
However, Clarke doesn't believe that India under Gill are a weak team and can still get results -- ruling out a 5-0 defeat -- even in the absence of Kohli and Rohit, whom he believes was a "tactically brilliant" captain.
"Like I said, [India getting beaten] 5-0 in England, which I don't think they will. I think they can still win in England even without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, I think this Indian squad is a good squad."
"India is a passionate cricket country. They want to see their team win. I think they're a good enough team, but if they don't win -- if they get flogged, I think there will be a push for Virat Kohli to come out of retirement," he noted.
India heads to England with a mix of youth and some experienced campaigners in the squad, such as KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah. As the visitors make the trip to the UK, they will also look to create history -- a first Test series win in England after 18 years, something they haven't been able to do since 2007.