Indian Cricket’s Next Chapter: Who Takes the Baton After Rohit and Kohli’s Test Exit?

Published: May 13, 2025, Bengaluru

Watching Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli step away from Test cricket feels like the end of a dream I’ve lived through for years. These two legends didn’t just play the game—they made me believe in the magic of Indian cricket. Now, as they bid farewell to the whites, my heart is heavy, but I’m also buzzing with hope for the future. With a big England series looming in June 2025, I’m wondering: who will rise to fill their boots and lead India into this new era?

Saying Goodbye to My Heroes

Rohit, our 38-year-old captain, broke the news on May 6, 2025, after a tough Australia tour where he averaged just 6.20. His X post was bittersweet: “Tests were my greatest challenge. I’ll keep leading in ODIs, but it’s time for new faces.” I heard whispers that selectors wanted a younger captain for England, and Rohit, always selfless, stepped aside.

Then, on May 12, Virat Kohli, 36, dropped his bombshell. With 9,230 Test runs at 46.85 and 30 centuries, he’s been the backbone of our team. His Instagram post made me tear up: “Tests taught me everything—resilience, passion, pride. I’m ready to watch the next wave shine.” He’ll stay on for ODIs, maybe chasing the 2027 World Cup, but Test cricket without him feels unimaginable.

Rohit and Kohli were larger than life. Kohli’s 40 wins in 68 Tests as captain turned India into a global force, and Rohit’s 12 victories in 24 Tests, like that 4-1 rout of England in 2024, showed his genius. With Ravichandran Ashwin also gone since December 2024, I’m losing the icons I grew up idolizing.

The Next Captain: A Tough Call

Who’ll take over as Test captain? I think Shubman Gill, 25, is the one to watch. He’s scored 1,492 Test runs at 37.30, with five centuries that prove he’s got the temperament. Leading India A and Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Gill feels like a natural successor. X users are calling him “the next Rohit,” and I can see why—his cool-headedness is a perfect fit.

Jasprit Bumrah, 31, is another name I can’t ignore. He captained India to a memorable Perth win in 2024, and his intensity on the field is electric. But I worry about the toll of captaincy on a fast bowler. Then there’s Rishabh Pant, 27, who I’d love to see lead. His fearless knocks, like that Gabba 89*, make him a game-changer, but he’s still untested as a captain. I’m curious what you think—who should it be?

Batting Stars of Tomorrow

Without Kohli’s grit or Rohit’s flair, our batting lineup needs new blood. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 23, feels like the future. His 1,407 Test runs at 52.11, including a double ton against England, make him a firecracker at the top. I can see him and KL Rahul, 33, forming a fiery opening pair.

Rishabh Pant, with 2,279 runs at 43.94, is set to dominate the middle order. His keeping has gotten sharper, and his attacking style gets me off my seat every time. Gill at No. 3 is a safe bet, but I’m rooting for youngsters like Devdutt Padikkal and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Padikkal’s elegance and Easwaran’s first-class consistency have X users excited—one fan tweeted, “Easwaran deserves a shot!” I’m hoping they get a chance soon.

A Test of Character Awaits

The England series will be a massive challenge. With just Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Bumrah as the experienced core, this young team will face swinging conditions and a fierce English side. After our 3-1 loss in Australia and that 0-3 shocker against New Zealand at home, I’m a bit worried. But the selectors’ focus on youth, backed by Ranji Trophy experience, gives me hope. Easwaran’s recent domestic form is a great sign.

I’ve always loved how the IPL unearths talent, and it’s where Gill, Jaiswal, and Pant have shown their mettle. The domestic circuit is buzzing too—players like Padikkal are making waves in the Duleep Trophy. I think we’ve got the depth to rebuild, but it’ll take time and grit.

A Legacy That Inspires

Rohit and Kohli didn’t just score runs—they built a legacy of belief. As BCCI president Roger Binny said, “They showed the world what Indian cricket can be.” Now, it’s up to Gill, Jaiswal, Pant, and the next crop to write their own story. I’m emotional about this transition, but I’m also thrilled to see what’s next.

The England tour will be the first big test for this new generation. I’ll be cheering for Jaiswal’s fearless strokes and Gill’s steady hand, hoping they can honor the legacy while carving their own path. Who’re you backing to step up? For me, this is the start of something special—Indian cricket is ready to soar again.