Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin highlights that the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have left a significant leadership gap in the Indian Test team, with Jasprit Bumrah emerging as a strong candidate for captaincy. These departures mark a major transition period for Indian cricket, ushering in new challenges and opportunities.
On his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin remarked, “I didn’t have an idea both [Rohit and Kohli] would retire together. This will be a testing time for Indian cricket, and I’ll say, this is truly now the beginning of the Gautam Gambhir era.” Bumrah stands as a prominent contender for captaincy, possibly becoming the most senior figure on the upcoming England tour. Ashwin praised him, stating, “He deserves the captaincy, but the selectors will take a decision based on his physical capacity.”
The dual retirements have left cricket fans and team strategists alike pondering over the experience void left by Rohit’s calm presence and Kohli’s dynamic energy. The reins of leadership might fall into Bumrah’s hands, given his role as vice-captain during the Australia tour and standing captaincy in significant matches such as the Perth Test.
Nonetheless, Bumrah’s recent injuries have stirred debates regarding managing his workload prudently. He battled back issues during the Sydney Test and consequently missed several key matches, including the bilateral series against England and major portions of the IPL 2025.
On the retirements, Ashwin voiced his belief that both players had more to contribute. “There will be a sense of fulfilment, but I honestly feel Kohli definitely had one or two years of Test cricket left in him,” Ashwin commented. Regarding Rohit, “I felt he would at least go on till the England Test series.”
Recognising their contributions, Ashwin reminisced about key performances from both players. He lauded Rohit’s solid displays during the 2021 England series, particularly his vital partnerships with KL Rahul. “Between 2018-19 to 2022-23 was Rohit’s best phase as a Test batter,” Ashwin stated.
Ashwin also highlighted Kohli’s brilliance, citing the twin centuries in Adelaide during his Test captaincy debut in 2014 as some of his finest. “Kohli the Test cricketer was box office, he was a brand ambassador of Test cricket,” he said, fondly recalling Kohli’s notable innings including the legendary 153 in Johannesburg.
As the Indian cricket team looks ahead, the leadership torch might pass to either Shubman Gill or Jasprit Bumrah—both of whom face the daunting task of filling the shoes of two of India’s most iconic cricketers.
