Indian cricket is on the threshold of a new era with the retirements of two of its largest Test stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, before the five-match England tour in June 2025. The duo's departure from the longest format—Sharma after a horror series in Australia and Kohli after a decline in form—has left gargantuan shoes to fill. Fans such as myself are still coming to terms with the end of an era, but the BCCI is wasting no time in ushering in fresh talent for the challenging series.

Stepping into the limelight are the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Tamil Nadu batsman Sai Sudharsan, who reports indicate is going to make his Test debut in England. The 23-year-old left-hand batsman has been a breath of fresh air in IPL 2025, scoring 527 runs at 47.90, including a ton against CSK, making him one of the top run-scorers in the tournament. It looks like the selectors will likely turn to him for an opening slot or bat him at No. 3. Sudharsan's flair and consistency have seen him get a place in the Test team, a moment of great significance for the young star.

Sudharsan's record in first-class cricket also supports his selection, with 1,957 runs in 29 games at an average of 39.93, demonstrating he can endure the drudgery of red-ball cricket. He's no novice to international cricket either, as he has appeared in three ODIs in South Africa, averaging a whopping 63.50, and a T20I in Zimbabwe, although he didn't get the opportunity to bat. His domestic form and IPL exploits have clearly caught the selectors’ eye, and I’m thrilled to see how he fares against England’s pace attack.

A New Chapter for India in England

Sudharsan's selection is a step in the direction of youth as India looks to rebuild its Test batting order after Sharma and Kohli. His skill to anchor innings while playing attacking shots might prove crucial on England's swinging tracks, where he will encounter the services of James Anderson and Ollie Robinson.

Also Read: India’s Probable Squad for England Test Tour 2025

The England series, starting June 20 at Headingley, will test Sudharsan’s mettle, but his IPL form suggests he’s ready for the challenge. With two legends gone, it’s time for the next generation to shine—I’m rooting for Sudharsan to make a big impact on his Test debut!

India's long-awaited Test tour against England will get underway on June 20, 2025, when the new cycle of the World Test Championship (2025-27) is scheduled to commence. It would also be India's inaugural substantial red-ball mission since the retirement of Rohit Sharma, introducing the possibility for a new era of Test cricket. With an impending leadership change and several younger players competing to find a spot, the tour can potentially fundamentally change the face of the team.

The largest doubt in front of the announcement of the squad is Virat Kohli. Although there have been reports stating that he has made the BCCI aware of his desire to retire from Test cricket, the selectors are optimistic about convincing him to remain available for this decisive away series.Kohli's availability, especially in England, would bring invaluable stability and experience to a relatively young batting line-up.

Without Rohit and Kohli's own future in doubt, Shubman Gill is the one who will take over as Test captain. His maturity and increasing leadership credentials make him the obvious pick. Gill should open with Yashasvi Jaiswal, forming a young but exciting opening combination at the top.

ALSO SEE:Jitesh Sharma was supposed to captain RCB in the LSG match at Lucknow because Patidar got injured

India to combine youth with experience in 2025 Test series against England

The selectors would be keen to give new blood as well as provide balance. Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy can look forward to a chance based on their domestic performances and temperament. Rishabh Pant, if fully fit, will be taking up the wicket-keeping responsibilities again with Dhruv Jurel as the stand-by both capable enough to contribute with the bat.

India's pace attack will be at its best. Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah will spearhead the pace attack, with Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep in support. Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar will form the spin unit, offering a mix of experience, control, and variation.

Probable India Xl for England Test Series 2025:

Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli*, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep

It is more than a Test series that this tour might be the start of something new in India's red-ball cricket.

In a social media moment that has raised as much admiration as it has surprise, Bollywood actress and wife of Indian cricketing legend Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, liked a viral post celebrating the sacrifices made by army men while appearing to draw a parallel with celebrities such as actors and cricketers. The post, initially put up by user @Mahiyank_78, read, "Days like these make you realize that Army men are the real heroes, not Bollywood actors or cricketers."

The post struck a chord with many for its sentiment of paying tribute to India's military, particularly during national sorrow or calamity. The post gained some surprise publicity, though, when fans observed that Anushka Sharma liked the reel. Her outspoken support, combined with her relationship with national cricket star Virat Kohli, sparked mixed reactions across the internet.  Though some loved her salute to real-world heroes, others were confused by it, thinking that it was a veiled criticism of celebrity culture—broadly defined, including her own husband.

Virat Kohli, whose life is consistently glorified as a cricket hero and one of the world's most popular sporting personalities, receives immense adulation from fans, placing him on par with national icons. Therefore, the contrast implied in the post—and Anushka's stamp of approval—was sure to leave eyebrows furrowed.

 

 

 

 

 

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Also read: 'Test cricket needs Virat' - Legendary West Indian batter asks Virat Kohli to reconsider his retirement decision

Fans React: "Was That a Subtle Message or Misread?"

The post's like has now sparked a spectrum of feelings on social media. While some users appreciated Anushka's realistic outlook, others thought it was an act done in bad faith that unintentionally belittled celebrities such as Kohli, who are role models themselves. "If even family members begin supporting such posts, what will fans take away from it?" one user asked.

Some fans argued it was likely an innocent acknowledgment of the armed forces rather than a targeted message against cricketers. Still, the timing—coinciding with Kohli’s rumored consideration of Test retirement—only intensified speculations. Anushka, known for her straightforward views, has not responded to the reactions yet.

While the debate continues, one thing is certain: in the social media era, even a single like can say a thousand words and trigger national debates.

Former West Indies captain Brian Lara has subsequently made an emotional appeal to Virat Kohli, asking him to reconsider his reported decision to stop playing Test cricket. Lara, who is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time, explained that Kohli's role could be significant for the future of the longest format. Kohli, who is ranked number four for runs scored as an active Test player, has been considering retirement after India's recent disappointments.

Lara, the record holder of the highest individual Test score (400*), came out in support of Kohli in an Instagram post on Saturday, May 10. He posted an image of his chat with the Indian sensation during the current season of IPL, writing alongside it a powerful message: "Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded." He IS NOT retiring from Test cricket." Lara also confidently forecast that Kohli would average more than 60 in the remaining part of his Test career.

This development comes just days after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format on May 7. Kohli’s Test performances since 2020 have not been on par with his earlier standards. In his last 69 innings, he has scored 2028 runs at an average of 30.72, managing just three centuries. This contrasts sharply with his earlier record of 7202 runs at an average of 54.97, which included 27 centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

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Also read:  Former England Captain slams ECB for prioritising IPL over Test matches for Jacob Bethell

Calls for Kohli to Continue in Test Cricket Intensify

Kohli's recent dip in form was highlighted during a recent trip to Australia for the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he scored 190 runs in 9 innings, including a century in the first match. India lost the series 3-1, surrendering the prestigious trophy to Australia after a decade of dominance. Kohli also struggled in the home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, contributing modest scores.

Piling on the pressure along with Lara's request for Kohli to continue playing, retired CSK and India batsman Ambati Rayudu issued an emotional appeal on X (Twitter). "Virat Kohli, please don't retire. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you."

India's next Test series gets underway June 20 in England, which launches the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle.

For Indian cricket fans, it will be tough to see the number 3 position without Virat Kohli. According to media reports, the talismanic batter has informed BCCI about his desire to leave Test cricket after retiring from T20Is. Though there are no official announcements regarding this. Keeping his age in mind, nearing 37, BCCI selectors perhaps already are in search of a suitable replacement for the right-hander. In Test cricket, Virat solidifies his legacy mainly as the number 3 batter. So, the board selectors will have to pick someone who can hold one end of the innings after one down. There are several players with healthy batting stats who can be considered as candidates once Virat formally announces his retirement from Test cricket.

Top 5 potential batters in place of Virat Kohli:

Karun Nair

The first name to pop up in the 5-man list is Karun Nair, who over the years improved his batting to another level. The top-order batter who owned a triple century in Test cricket is eagerly awaiting another shot to represent his country. After scoring a bag full of centuries in the domestic circuit, Nair marked his IPL return for Delhi Capitals with an 89-run innings against Mumbai India. The batter who achieveded 23 first-class centuries and 36 fifties with a batting average of 552.39 definitely proved himself a contender in the Test squad.

Shreyas Iyer

The improvised version of Shreyas Iyer can be a good fit in the Test batting lineup. He transformed himself into a more focused cricketer than before after the BCCI decided to drop his name from the central contract. From being considered ineligible to receive the central agreement to a return in the Blue, Iyer proved his mettle. Leader, batter, and a team man—in all three terms, his capabilities are above all doubts. Shreyas played his last Test for India in early February against England in a home series where he scored a decent amount of runs.

Rajat Patidar

Despite having a truckful of runs, Patidar’s List A cricket career is comparatively less discussed. The right-handed batter has a List A batting average of 37.47 after playing 64 innings and a 43.07 batting average against 6 first-class matches. Patidar, who previously represented India in 3 Tests, can look for a spot in the squad again after a promising run in IPL 2025 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain. Batter Iyer, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, has scored 239 runs so far in IPL 2025. 

Read More: 5 players who can replace Rohit Sharma in Test cricket

Ajinkya Rahane

Skills permanent—this line is perfectly fit for Rahane. Near T7, the right-handed batter who represented India in so many matches across all three formats is still dreaming about playing for his country. When Kolkata Knight Riders roped in the veteran batter in place of Shreyash Iyer, a part of cricket fans was expressing their doubts over him. But when someone soaks in the basics of the game completely, then the player can play anytime, anywhere. IPL 2025, so far he has made 375 runs with a batting average of 37.50. 

Sarfaraz Khan

Khan almost broke all barricades to enter into the Test squad with the help of his supreme performances in the domestic circuit. His impressive batting continues for the Test salso; also scored 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru last year and a couple of half centuries against England in Rajkot as well. The right-handed batter must be in the selector's head in the upcoming days.  

In an emotional and moving appeal, former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu turned to social media to exhort Virat Kohli not to retire from Test cricket. In the midst of swirling rumors regarding Kohli's future in red-ball cricket, Rayudu's tweet hit a deep nerve with the fans all over the country. "The Indian team needs you more than ever," Rayudu tweeted, adding, "Test cricket will never be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India."

Kohli, who has already relinquished Test captaincy and has been choosy with red-ball games due to workload management and fitness, has said nothing regarding his Test future in recent weeks. But rumors of a possible full retirement from the format have picked up pace, particularly with Rohit Sharma also resigning and India moving to a transition period in Tests. Rayudu's popularity with the public arrives amidst a period when Indian cricket needs tested leadership and stability in the conventional game.

The 36-year-old Rayudu, who had roomed with Kohli for a few years, admitted that international cricket can take an emotional and mental toll, but made it clear that Kohli "has so much more in the tank" and is "irreplaceable when it comes to grit, intensity, and inspiration on the field." His tweet, full of sincere concern and admiration, went viral at once and elicited a deluge of the same kind of requests from fans and former cricketers as well.

Virat Kohli please don’t retire.. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India.. Please reconsider..

— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 10, 2025

Also read: Was Rohit Sharma forced to retire from Test cricket? Michael Atherton sparks controversy!

Once again, Kohli's Visibility Matters in Test Cricket

Rayudu's call brings up again this discussion of Kohli's legacy in the longest form of the game. With over 8,500 runs in Tests, 29 hundreds and countless beyond memorable performances, Virat Kohli has been one of the stalwarts of India's dominance in world cricket for the last decade. Stats aside, his zealousness and aggression in a leadership role has brought back a focus of fitness, attitude, and competitiveness back into India's Test culture.

As the men in blue get ready for new leadership and a new England series, Rayudu's comments really hit home what so many would feel: Kohli's presence in the Test side still matters, for his ability and his valued presence as a senior statesman of the game. Whether or not the legendary batter doubts his red-ball future or has already made it up in his own mind remains to be seen, but for now, fans are speaking in one voice: "Please don't retire, King Kohli."

Virat Kohli's performance in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has drawn a lot of focus because it has led to many questions being raised about whether his issues could be linked to retirement thoughts. Kohli's BGT performances were very inconsistent, with scores of 5, 100*, 7, 11, 3, 36, 5, and 17, amassing a total of 190 runs in 9 innings with an average of 23.75. Nevertheless, Kohli's century in Perth was a reminder that Kohli still has a lot of talent when in form; therefore, the inconsistency over the series raised concern about his mindset and form at the moment.

Experts noted Kohli had continued issues with his technique, especially outside the off stump. This led to his dismissals during the series also opening the conversation about his technique. Formerly iconic Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting suggested Kohli may be too focused on trying not to make mistakes, therefore limiting his natural ability to play his own game. Certainly, Ponting questioned Kohli's mental state and may have been too focused on merely surviving. Furthermore, playing the new ball where Kohli may not be comfortable if he is used to 'starting slowly on occasions when it looks best for batting,' as former teammate Cheteshwar Pujara noted when referring to Kohli.

Beyond technique, Kohli’s body language throughout the series has sparked debate. While he has remained animated on the field, his demeanor with the bat has appeared unusually tense. Some suggested that this under-stress body language could mean he has been stirred up internally, maybe due to the pressures of expectation and thinking about his cricketing future. With mounting talk about his retirement, we might be seeing Kohli also grappling with the pressure of his performance alongside some difficult personal decision-making, which could certainly make some impact on his usual composure and clarity of decision-making at the crease.

Retirement Speculations and Impact on Performance

The speculation surrounding Kohli's retirement raises the stakes for discussions around Kohli. Sources close to the cricketer suggest that Kohli is contemplating retiring from Test cricket before the other England tours in 2025. The retirement speculation has led some to postulate that his form and performances might be impacted because he is contemplating retirement, and the thinking of big decisions under that stress will impact decisions he makes in crucial moments. 

Also Read: BCCI considering new locations for concluding remainder of IPL 2025: Know about all locations in contention

Despite the trouble he is facing on the cricket field, Kohli is still one of the most relevant players in current Indian cricket. The question of whether he retires or continues has massive implications for the future of Indian Test cricket. His legacy is secure, and while his performances during the BGT 2024–25 raised numerous questions, and although he may be considered to have faced adversity before and risen once again.

Speculations have started to circulate all over social media platforms as soon as people learned about Virat Kohli's possible Test retirement.

Reports are claiming that the iconic figure of world cricket has expressed his desire to the BCCI to leave the Test format. Though there is no strong confirmation from any verified source yet. But speculations need no solid reason to make waves.

Taking a step further, a part of netizens has started to question his ODI future also. At present, to derive the flamboyant cricketer's international career status, we need to know if there is any official announcement that has been made or not. Right after winning the 2024 ICC T20I World Cup, Virat Kohli stated his retirement speech from this format officially and made himself available only for Tests and ODIs and franchise cricket. So far, during the development of this article, neither the batter nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made any official announcement regarding retirement. 

Read More: Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket –Real or fake

Did Virat Kohli retire from all formats of international cricket?

So, according to official status, Virat Kohli is still a part of the Test and One Day International (ODI) formats. Before reaching any further conclusion based on speculations, only keep an eye on verified social media accounts of Virat Kohli, BCCI and International Cricket Council (ICC). 

When Virat walked away offically from the T20Is, he said in his retirement speech, "In his retirement speech Virat said, "This is an amazing game, I was telling Rohit today when we went out to bat that one day you feel like you can't get a run, and then you come out and things happen. God is great. I bow my head in gratitude. I'm really grateful was able to get the job done for the team when it mattered the most."

India's greatest-ever cricketer and ex-captain Virat Kohli has apparently told India's players on their Australian tour that he wants to retire from international cricket — a bombshell that has rocked the cricket world. Sources within the team informed us that Kohli relayed the message to players several times on India's tour of Australia, "I am done." At the time, nobody took it seriously, assuming that it was a momentary tantrum or exhaustion.

The whispers of retirement have only grown louder since Kohli’s reported request to return as captain was turned down by the BCCI. Although no official announcement has been made by either Kohli or the board, his body language and recent on-field behavior have fueled speculation. Many fans and pundits believe that India’s modern-day great may be preparing to walk away on his own terms, choosing silence over a grand farewell for now.

This follows at a time when India is getting ready for a key international tournament towards the end of this year. The selectors, team management, and even the well-wishers of Kohli are keen to see him take the flight to the ICC tournament, realizing his contribution not only as a player but also as a representative of India's bold and audacious brand of cricket.

Also read: Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket –Real or fake

A Legacy Beyond Numbers

Kohli's legacy is now legend in golden letters in Indian cricket. Over 25,000 international runs, more than 70 centuries, and innumerable match-winning knocks have been pivotal. He has changed the game through establishing fitness standards and sheer passion on the field. As a captain, Kohli brought aggression, discipline, and a new culture to the dressing room; he led India to historic away Test series wins, with several near results at home to maintain a #1 ranking in Test match cricket.

But we all know that every athlete will know a time when self-reflection overtakes ambition. If the rumors are true, this will finally be the end of an era. Millions of fans hope Kohli pulls on the Indian jersey for one final time on the international stage and he can say goodbye, as only Virat Kohli can - in a roar, not a whisper.

All eyes are on Kohli now - and the one decision that only he can make.

Saturday morning (May 10) has started with a shocking update regarding Virat Kohli's future in the whites. Widely circulated reports have claimed that the talismanic batter is on the verge of making his announcement from Test cricket, and he informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding this. But did he really finalize his future? 

Only a few days ago, another senior member of Team India, Rohit Sharma, bid adieu to the Tests; it was a surprise for Indian cricket fans. After a struggling period in international and franchise cricket, Sharma finally found his scoring bat, and discussion has ignited about India's upcoming tour to England. People were speculating about his possibilities in the series when the Mumbaikar chose to say goodbye to the format. 

The upcoming England vs. India tour will mark a new circle of the World Test Championship (WTC), where BCCI may like to add more experiences in the squad. As Rohit stepped out, Virat was the solitary full-time batter in the batting lineup. The Delhi-born cricketer was in great form in the IPL 2025 and so far has produced one of his best stats in his franchise cricket career. When things started to look good, his probable test announcement stirred the internet. 

Read More: Top 5 unbreakable Test records of Virat Kohli

Did Kohli really retire from Tests? 

When cricketers, especially those from a well-established international background, retire from professional careers, they make their decision public through their verified social media platforms. For example, Virat Kohli did it when he called it a day for T20Is. In his retirement speech, Virat said, "This is an amazing game. I was telling Rohit today when we went out to bat that one day you feel like you can't get a run, and then you come out and things happen. God is great. I bow my head in gratitude. I'm really grateful I was able to get the job done for the team when it mattered the most."

The same is expected from him when he officially leaves the Test format also. As of now, there is no solid confirmation about Kohli's retirement from Test cricket. He is still in the game.