After Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Test Retirement News Surfaces, Who Will Fill Their Shoes?

On May 7, 2025, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 38. Despite a commendable career, his recent form had been under scrutiny, averaging just 10.93 over the past year, which included a series of low scores against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia . His decision came ahead of India's five-Test series in England, marking the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle.

Virat Kohli's Decision

Shortly after Sharma's announcement, reports emerged that Virat Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention to retire from Test cricket. At 36, Kohli has been a central figure in India's Test resurgence over the past decade. His decision, reportedly communicated weeks ago, comes despite the BCCI's efforts to persuade him otherwise.

The Road Ahead

With the departure of these two stalwarts, India faces the challenge of rebuilding its Test team. Shubman Gill, 25, is considered a frontrunner to take over the captaincy, given his leadership experience in the Indian Premier League and his role as vice-captain in limited-overs formats. Jasprit Bumrah is another candidate, having previously led India to a Test victory in Australia, though concerns about managing a fast bowler's workload persist .

As India prepares for the upcoming series against England, starting June 20, 2025, the team enters a transitional phase, seeking to fill the substantial gaps left by Sharma and Kohli. 

India now faces a leadership vacuum. With both stalwarts out, the BCCI is looking at younger, tactically astute leaders. Shubman Gill, the heir apparent, has already been groomed in limited-overs leadership and could be handed the reins for the red-ball team. Jasprit Bumrah, who showed tactical brilliance as a stand-in captain in Australia, is another option, but managing his workload as a pace spearhead could be tricky.

Names like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant also feature in conversations — Rahul for his experience and Pant for his flair and aggressive mindset, although the latter is still on the road to full recovery after his accident.