IND vs ENG: KL Rahul Admits India Feels Different Without Kohli & Rohit in the Dressing Room
KL Rahul reflects on India's Test future without Kohli, Rohit as Gill leads new WTC cycle starting vs England at Leeds
Team India is set to begin a new chapter in Test cricket as they take on England in the first match of the five-match Test series on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The series will mark the start of India’s new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle under Shubman Gill’s captaincy.
With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announcing their retirement from red-ball cricket, the team is stepping into unfamiliar territory. Senior batter KL Rahul shared his feelings on this transition, saying that it will be the first time in his Test career that he will walk into a dressing room without the two veterans.
“I’ve Never Played a Test Without Them”: KL Rahul
Speaking to Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul said:
“Virat and Rohit have been the pillars of Indian cricket for the last decade or so, and not having them around will be a huge miss. In my whole career so far, I have never walked into a team where there is no Virat or Rohit.”
Rahul admitted the dressing room felt different and strange without the experienced duo. However, he also said their decision must be respected, as they have done everything possible for Indian cricket over the years.
“You have to respect their decision. They have given absolutely everything for the country and they will remain legends of Indian cricket. But it’s time for the rest of us to step up,” Rahul added.
Rahul Set To Open With Jaiswal
KL Rahul will take Rohit Sharma’s spot at the top of the order in the upcoming series. He will open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo had batted together during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Rahul scored 276 runs in 10 innings, including two half-centuries.
With Kohli and Rohit gone, the responsibility of anchoring the innings and guiding the younger players now lies with experienced players like Rahul, Bumrah, and Jadeja.
India’s new era in Test cricket begins with high expectations and fresh challenges, and KL Rahul’s role will be crucial both as a batter and a senior voice in the team.
