India’s upcoming five-Test trip of England will be a one-of-a-kind series, since the team will be without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the first time in over a decade. Both legends have announced their retirement from red-ball cricket in May 2025, marking the end of two magnificent careers. KL Rahul, the squad’s senior-most batter, has admitted that it will be strange to tread onto the pitch without them.

Rahul, who made his Test debut in 2014, has spent the majority of his career under Kohli’s command or as Rohit’s batting partner. Rahul is upbeat and ready for the forthcoming challenge as he leads the inexperienced batting lineup. He does, however, feel a hole in the dressing room because Kohli and Rohit are not present.

“Virat and Rohit have been the foundations of Indian cricket for the past decade or so, and their absence will be felt greatly.

I’ve never been in a squad that didn’t have Virat or Rohit in it. In the 50-odd Test matches I’ve played, either Virat or Rohit or both have appeared. It feels odd walking into that dressing room. Of course, you have to respect their decision. They have given their all for the country and will forever be remembered as Indian cricket legends. But now is the time for the rest of us to stand up,” Rahul told the media team of his Indian Premier League team, the Delhi Capitals.

KL Rahul to play his third series in England

The absence of Rohit, India’s top scorer on the 2021–22 England tour, and Kohli, who captained India from 2014 to 2022, has left a leadership void. However, with Shubman Gill being named as the captain of the side, and Rishabh Pant by his side as the vice-captain, the new Indian team is expected to bring forward a new brand of cricket. Meanwhile, Rahul is entering his third Test series in England. With 614 runs from nine Tests, including two centuries, he understands the conditions well.

“I started with my preparations for the England series right after the IPL. I spoke to my coach as well to get prepared for this assignment. It’s always a challenge coming to England as they are a pretty good side, especially when they play at home. It’s going to be a challenge for all of us as we are a comparatively young team,” added Rahul.