There were quiet talks starting from the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. Indian media suggested that this could be the last Test series for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in white jerseys. The Test series against England marks the start of the 2025 World Test Championship cycle. From the beginning, many believed that Rohit and Kohli might not play in the 5-match away series.
Recently, things seem to have changed a little. India’s win in the Champions Trophy under Rohit’s captaincy, and the way both Rohit and Kohli have played in the IPL, may have changed the Indian Cricket Board’s view. That’s what some Indian news sources are suggesting.
Still, the board hasn’t clearly said anything about the two players. In an interview with India Today, BCCI Secretary Debjit Saikia avoided giving a direct answer. He just said that the selectors will decide their future. On the same day, he also mentioned that the squad for the England series will be announced within two weeks.
The Indian selectors are likely to meet before the IPL final to talk about team plans. Coach Gautam Gambhir might join them. He strongly wants both Rohit and Kohli to be part of the team.
He said, “As long as Rohit and Kohli are playing well, they should stay in the team. It’s up to them to decide when to retire. No coach, selector, or the BCCI should tell them when to stop. If they can still perform, why not keep playing at 40 or even 45?”
However, Indian cricket fans often criticize Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their recent performances. Both have struggled with the red ball lately. Rohit has scored just 164 runs in the last 8 Tests of the 2024-25 season. Kohli, after a century in the Adelaide Test during the Border-Gavaskar series, only managed 85 runs in the next 4 matches.
India’s Test series against England will begin in the third week of June. The Indian team will be in England for nearly two months for this series. Many believe that this series is an opportunity for Team India to build their future team. The key question is whether two experienced players will still have a place in the new lineup.