'Virat and Rohit have been....' - Star India player make huge remark of legends ahead of ENG vs IND Test series

The Indian team is fully ready to face England. The 5-match series will begin in Leeds on June 20. Team India will play Test cricket without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after a long time. These two legends have been part of the team for many years. At least one of them was always in the playing XI. Just before the Headingley Test, KL Rahul gave an emotional statement about their absence.

KL Rahul has now spoken about the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Team India looks quite weak in their absence. The lack of these two experienced players will put more pressure on the young players. Speaking on this, Rahul said, "Virat and Rohit have been the pillars of Indian cricket for the last ten years and their absence will be a big loss. In my entire career so far, I have never been part of a team without Virat or Rohit. In the 50-plus Test matches I have played, either Virat or Rohit or both were in the team."

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With the seniors no longer in the squad, players like Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran are getting a chance. This will be a big opportunity for them to prove themselves and secure their place in the team. Rahul said, "It feels a bit strange to enter the dressing room without them, but we must respect their decision. They have given everything for the country and will always be legends of Indian cricket. But now it's time for all of us to step forward."

KL RAHUL ON ROHIT & VIRAT VIA DC:

"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. The 50-odd Test… pic.twitter.com/pgf3iZdiHA

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 19, 2025

Rahul began his preparations for the England tour right after the IPL ended. He said, "I started preparing after the IPL. It is always a challenge to play against England. We have a young team." Rahul has scored 614 runs in 9 Test matches in England at an average of 34.11. His two centuries show his ability to adapt and perform well in tough English conditions. On this tour, he is likely to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal and will be expected to handle the new ball in swinging conditions and give the middle order a strong platform.

According to Sanjay Bangar, who has worked closely with Rahul as India’s head coach, this is an opportunity for Rahul to finally step out of the shadows of senior players and lead from the front.