India all-rounder Shardul Thakur feels that veteran duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may have retired from Tests, knowing that they can’t contribute in the format as before. However, Rohit and Kohli decided to retire from the longest format of the game earlier in the month, just before the squad for the England tour was announced.

Speaking to RevSportz, Shardul said that decisions by Kohli and Rohit are personal as well.

“They are the most senior figures in the game, but such decisions are personal. It comes when they feel they can’t contribute or drive the format as before,” Thakur said. “There is a great deal of protection when senior players are around, and having a good mix of senior and junior players in the team provides flourishing results.”

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Shardul Thakur also opened up on the role Ravindra Jadeja has in the team now since Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired. He also said that the upcoming tour will test everyone, including the new captains in the team.

“Jaddu is now the most experienced. This tour will test everyone, with new responsibilities, including leadership roles. It’s a fresh challenge, but we have the talent. Young players must seize this opportunity to build their own legacy,” Shardul said.

Shardul Thakur also said that the biggest challenge in England will be tackling the weather. He also said that one could see three seasons in a single day while playing in England as well.

“I think weather is the biggest challenge in England. In one day, you can see all three weathers. It gets suddenly cold. When the sun is out it is nice and warm. And when it’s cloudy, it’s starts drizzling again,” Shardul Thakur concluded.

The India tour of England is scheduled to start on June 20.