Former India captain Kapil Dev has urged fans to stop obsessing over the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and instead place their faith in the next generation of Indian Test cricketers. Speaking on Aaj Tak, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain made it clear that while the contribution of stalwarts like Kohli and Rohit deserves immense respect, Indian cricket must now turn the page and embrace the future.
As a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is about to get underway for India with the Test series against England, starting June 20 in Leeds, the team finds itself in a period of transition. Kohli and Rohit have retired from the format and it's now up to the new ones to take the legacy of Indian Test cricket forward
India have not won a Test series in England since 2007 and it will be a massive achievement if they are able to do so this time with a new-look side that has Shubman Gill as their leader.
Advertisement
Also read: Joe Root Reflects on Post-Captaincy Phase: “It Was Weird Coming Back”
Kapil Dev Advises to Move On from Kohli Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma, Back the Next Generation
In a conversation with Aaj Tak, Kapil addressed the increasing noise around Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not being part of the red-ball setup anymore after their retirements. While many fans remain emotionally tied to these two modern greats, Kapil offered a different perspective. His message? Respect the past, but do not cling to it.
"Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Anil Kumble aren’t there either. So, there's no point thinking about who isn't around. Yes, they will be missed, but we need to look at the next generation and be proud of them. Rohit has done his job; Virat has done his job. They made us proud, but let's see if the next generation of players can be bigger," Kapil said as quoted on Aaj Tak.
He also expressed confidence in the abilities of the players currently in the squad and brushed aside concerns about leadership.
While many still question whether Gill has the temperament for Test cricket, Kapil is not losing sleep over it. He is backing the 25-year-old and his team to create history in England.
"He has captained a lot in the IPL. One-day cricket and T20 cricket are so different to Test cricket. In Test matches, you need nerves. He has the experience; he has the ability. I am not too bothered about it. I know this team is good enough to win," he added.
Advertisement
Spotlight on Shubman Gill: Can He Shine in the New Era?
India have not won a Test match in Leeds since 2002. They are yet to win a series in England after 2007.
Now, as the baton shifts, it finds its way into the hands of Gill, still early in his Test career, especially in English conditions. He has featured in just three Test matches in England so far, but expectations are already heavy on his shoulders.
Gill has shown glimpses of class, but the challenge in England with its swing, seam, and scrutiny, is different. This tour might not just test his batting technique, but also his temperament. If Indian cricket is indeed entering a new chapter, Gill’s performance over the next few weeks could well set the tone for how that story unfolds.
