Home
The Indian Test team is set for a major transition. After Ravichandran Ashwin hung up his boots midway through Australian tour, captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli called time on their Test careers as well. India's young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal who is touted for big things across formats, wrote a heartfelt note for Kohli, who was a source of inspiration for him while growing up and dreaming of playing for the country.
"Pajji , I grew up watching you and Rohit bhai play, and from the moment seeing you in that Indian jersey I dreamed of one day doing the same. You’ve been a source of inspiration not just for me, but for an entire generation who fell in love with cricket because of the passion and intensity you brought to the game. The impact you’ve had on Test cricket, and on cricket in India as a whole, is immeasurable. To have had the chance to share the pitch with you — someone I looked up to for so many years — was more than just a privilege; it was a moment I’ll carry with me forever," Jaiswal wrote on his Instagram, hailing the 36-year-old.
Earlier, Jaiswal wrote a note for former India Test captain Rohit under whom he made his debut in the format in 2023 against West Indies.
"Rohit bhai, sharing the crease with you in whites was nothing less than a blessing. Thank you for everything," the opener wrote.
Big task for the selection committee
The announcement of Kohli's retirement came ahead of the five-Test series on England soil which will kick off India's World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign. The selection committee have their work cut out as they have to pick Rohit and Kohli's replacements in the batting order for a tough tour against the Ben Stokes-led side who recently rose two places in the annual ICC Rankings.
ALSO READ: Heartbroken RCB react to Virat Kohli's retirement announcement from Test cricket
Jaiswal in form
Meanwhile, Jaiswal has been Rajasthan Royals' (RR) top run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The young batter may find himself on the flight to England early as RR have already been knocked out of the playoffs race and their campaign will end early.
ADVERTISEMENT
