From Rohit’s Exit to Kohli’s Dilemma: India’s Test Future Unfolds

May 11, 2025: In a major development ahead of the highly anticipated Test series against England, Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 36-year-old made the announcement via Instagram on May 7, bringing an end to a distinguished red-ball career just weeks before India’s five-match home series against England begins on June 20.

Also Read: This Is How Navjot Singh Sidhu Reacts To Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement Decision

Rohit‘s retirement has left a significant leadership vacuum in India’s Test setup. According to multiple reports, citing a senior BCCI source, Shubman Gill is now set to be appointed as India’s new Test captain, with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant likely to serve as his deputy.

The source revealed that selectors did consider reinstating Virat Kohli as captain for the England series to allow Gill more time to mature into the role. “It is true that selectors did think about having Kohli as India skipper for the England series. This would have given Gill some time to grow into a leadership role, but at 25-and-a-half years of age, he is yet to hit his peak,” the BCCI insider told. “Due to Bumrah’s fitness issues, Gill looks like the obvious choice for Ajit Agarkar’s committee.”

Virat Kohli, India’s most successful Test captain, last led the team in January 2022 during a tour of South Africa. Since then, he has remained a key part of the team but stayed away from leadership roles.

However, fresh speculation about Kohli’s future has also emerged. The 36-year-old batting legend has informed the BCCI of his decision to retire from Test cricket. Senior board officials have reportedly urged him to reconsider, especially with the high-profile England series on the horizon. “He has made up his mind and has informed the board that he is moving on from Test cricket. The BCCI has urged him to rethink… He is yet to revert on the request,” the report quoted a source as saying.

Kohli has played 123 Test matches since his debut in 2011, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of over 49, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He stands as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format, behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.

As India prepares to face England from June 20 to August 4, all eyes are now on the BCCI’s next move—whether Kohli will reconsider his retirement, and if the torch will officially be passed to the promising Shubman Gill.