- June 13, 2025
Any Test series between England and India will inevitably create intriguing scenarios, but this summer we are witnessing something really interesting. England vice-captain Ollie Pope has spoken about it, saying what we all think. India will not have Virat Kohli to slip in the 5-Test series starting June 20. Kohli has retired from Test cricket, and that means no longer having aggressive humming and banter while keeping an eye on a competitive competitor behind the stumps. So, this is significant.
Let’s look at why Kohli not being there is more than merely a missing star batter, and what this means for both teams as they get set to compete.
Virat Kohli: The Energy Behind the Slip Cordon
It was never merely about Kohli catching catches at slip; it was about taking the moment. His attitude around the slip cordon was all about taking control — and he did so with inexhaustible energy, sharp wit, and animated celebrations. Kohli didn’t field; he commanded. He rattled neighboring players and electrified the bowlers, and became a fundamental aspect of India’s Test identity while playing in England.
From 2014 to 2022, he was more than just a batter — he was the emotional fuel. His voice was always present, poking, pushing, and provoking. Now, with him absent, India hasn’t just lost a top-order icon — they lost a psychological weapon.
England’s Perfect Test Prep Before the Ashes
Ollie Pope highlighted how facing India before the Ashes is an unbelievable opportunity for England to test themselves against quality opposition on home soil. Since Ben Stokes became captain in 2022, England has not lost a home Test series, and this India series is an excellent opportunity to keep that record going.
Without Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India comes in younger and less experienced, but don’t count them out. Their great depth of talent and players like Gill will likely be itching to impact the series. England can also hone their skills and prepare the team component of their game before the Ashes Down Under, which starts in November.
This series has the promise of an interesting clash of youth vs experience as England seek to mark their home ground to transfer to international dominance, in addition to India proving their credentials without 2 of their household names.
Shubman Gill: Stepping Out of Kohli’s Shadow
With Shubman Gill stepping out of the shadows – not only of India’s next batting talent but the Test captain – everyone is curious to see what happens next. The world already knows him as a talented and consummate strokeplayer, but we are now required to discuss his capabilities as a team leader in transition with the looming legacy of Kohli’s presence. It is important to note that when it comes to captaincy of a team, it is not only directing their tactics, he must step away from the shadows and start creating his own.
Gill’s ability to handle a young team with talent and under difficult English conditions will be pivotal to India’s progression. If he can find the same sort of extinguishers that Kohli ignited is still the big question.
So, the question is: can India keep the flame without the spark from Kohli, or will this series lose some of its magic? This summer’s battle will provide new stories and plenty of cricketing entertainment, so either way, some good times are ahead.
What’s your take — is this the dawn of a new era or will Kohli’s absence cast a long shadow over the series?
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