To walk into the dressing room without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will feel a bit strange: KL Rahul

Team India’s experienced batter KL Rahul has reckoned that it would feel a bit strange to walk into the dressing room that doesn’t have Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, adding that they have been pillars of Indian cricket for the last decade.

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Notably, Team India is scheduled to take on England in the first Test of the five-match series, starting on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds in the new World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, under the leadership of Shubman Gill.

Interestingly, for the first time, Team India will step onto the field with the veteran duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the transitional period. However, Rahul noted that this would give a perfect chance for young cricketers to step in and deliver.

“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 entire career so far, I’ve never walked into a team environment where neither Virat nor Rohit is present,” KL Rahul said in a conversation with Delhi Capitals.

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“In the 50-odd Test matches I’ve played, either Virat or Rohit — or both — have always been part of the side. To walk into that dressing room without them will certainly feel a bit strange. But of course, their decision must be respected,” he added.

“They have given absolutely everything to the country and will forever remain legends of Indian cricket. But now, it’s time for the rest of us to step up,” he stated.

It’s important to note that Rohit Sharma ended the previous England tour  in 2021-22, as India’s leading run-scorer with 368 runs from four Tests. On the other hand, Rahul accumulated 315 runs from four games.

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With Rahul being the most experienced batter in the batting line-up this time around, he is expected to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal to maintain the left-right combination in the first Test against England.

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