Indian Test skipper Shubman Gill, who assumed the captaincy after the BCCI urged Rohit Sharma to step away from red-ball cricket due to form concerns, reportedly made efforts to convince Virat Kohli to stay in the longest format. Despite Gill’s plea, Kohli had firmly decided to retire from Test cricket, marking the end of an era for Indian cricket.
Midway through the IPL, Rohit Sharma, still in fine form, announced his retirement from Test cricket, reportedly under pressure from the BCCI ahead of India’s England tour. The move left a leadership void in the team, and the Indian management sought ways to stabilise the squad with a younger captain.
In contrast, Virat Kohli, a stalwart of the format, faced multiple appeals from BCCI officials, former cricketers, and team management to continue playing. However, Kohli had resolved to retire just days after Rohit’s announcement. According to RevSportz reporter Rohit Juglan, Shubman Gill personally spoke with Kohli in a bid to persuade him to reconsider.
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Juglan revealed, “The BCCI wanted Rohit Sharma to leave red-ball cricket; however, they, alongside the skipper Shubman Gill, wanted Virat Kohli to play Test cricket. Gill was the last man to communicate with Virat Kohli, urging him to play.” Despite Gill’s efforts, Kohli remained steadfast in his decision to step away from Tests, a format he once cherished deeply.
Shubman Gill was the last person who talked with Virat Kohli and tried to convince him to continue in Test cricket but Virat had already made up hi mind. – @rohitjuglan
Some idiot Virat fans still troll Gill 🥲#ViratKohli #ShubmanGill #RohitSharma #AsiaCup #AsiaCupsquad #T20 pic.twitter.com/yJ5VAf65KL
— Aman (@dharma_watch) August 22, 2025
The England tour for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy highlighted the impact of these retirements. India fielded a relatively inexperienced side, missing the guidance of veterans like Ashwin alongside Rohit and Kohli. KL Rahul stepped up as a senior opener, while Gill moved to the crucial No. 4 spot, shouldering the responsibility with maturity beyond his years.
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Gill’s response to the challenge was nothing short of remarkable. He scored 754 runs in five matches at an average exceeding 75, including four centuries and a historic 269 at Edgbaston. His stellar performances earned praise even from Kohli. As India’s youngest Test captain, the 25-year-old from Haryana displayed calm authority, leading by example and guiding the team to a series-levelling 2-2 draw in England.
Having previously captained Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Gill adapted seamlessly to the international stage, demonstrating leadership and composure. His ascent not only filled the void left by legends but also established him as a cornerstone of India’s future in red-ball cricket.
