India’s all-rounder Shardul Thakur talked about the retirements of big names Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on Monday, just a few days before the team heads to England for a five-match Test series beginning June 20. This will be Thakur’s first time back with the national team since 2023, and he will play in India A’s warm-up games against the England Lions before joining the main squad.
Thakur pointed out the gap left by Rohit and Kohli and the challenges of moving forward with a less experienced team. He thinks their decisions to retire likely came from their sense that they could no longer make the same impact in Tests. “They are the most experienced players around, but such choices are personal. It often happens when they feel they can’t contribute as they did before,” Thakur shared with RevSportz, recognizing their legacy.
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He noted that having senior players brings security and that a good mix of experience is vital for the team’s success. With both legends retiring just days apart, their combined 190 Tests of experience leaves the team in a new phase. Now, Ravindra Jadeja is the most capped player, and the team will be looking to its younger players under new leadership during this important tour.
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Thakur expects a shift in team dynamics. Jaddu is now the most experienced one. This tour will put everyone to the test with new responsibilities, including leadership, he said, hinting at changes in roles. At 32, he’s looking forward to getting back into the Test team, feeling positive about the younger lineup. “It’s a new challenge, but we have the talent. Young players need to take this chance to create their own legacy,” he added, emphasizing the team’s readiness to adapt. His goal is to contribute well with both bat and ball, starting with the India A matches as they prepare for their first Test series after the Kohli-Rohit era.
