India vs England: Monty Panesar wants the Indian team to take forward Virat Kohli's legacy

Shubman Gill is all set to embark on a new chapter in his cricketing career as he takes over the reins of the Indian Test team for the upcoming five-match series against England. This marks India’s first major red-ball assignment following the high-profile retirements of senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The leadership transition also comes in the absence of veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who bid farewell to international cricket midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. With a relatively young squad stepping up to fill the void left by these icons, the series against England presents a defining opportunity for India’s next generation. Gill, known for his composure and elegant batting, now faces the added responsibility of leading the team in one of the most demanding formats of the game.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar weighed in on the transition, expressing hope that the new-look Indian side will uphold the standards set by Kohli in Test cricket. He emphasized the importance of maintaining India’s aggressive and competitive spirit in the longest format, a trait Kohli was known for during his captaincy. Panesar believes that with the right mindset, Gill and his team can build a legacy of their own.

“The one thing that I want this Indian team to do is carry on the legacy of Virat Kohli. The way he played Test cricket. I would like to see the young Indian team play like that," stated former England cricketer Monty Panesar. 

When asked if any current Indian player has the potential to become the next Virat Kohli, former cricketer-turned-expert Monty Panesar named Sai Sudharsan as a promising contender. Panesar praised the young left-hander for his fearless approach to batting and his calm temperament under pressure—qualities reminiscent of Kohli in his early years. He pointed out that Sudharsan’s recent inclusion in India’s Test squad marks a significant step in his career, and his previous experience playing in English conditions with Surrey could be a major advantage in the upcoming series. Panesar emphasized that Sudharsan has already shown glimpses of greatness in domestic cricket and the IPL, and with the right guidance, he could become a mainstay in India’s batting lineup. 

“Yeah, there are some really good youngsters in the team at the moment, and one particular batsman is the Surrey player. He played for Surrey as an overseas – Sai Sudharsan. He looks very aggressive; he looks fearless; he’s a player who has done well in English conditions, and he has done well for Surrey. So I think he could be the next superstar of Indian cricket and take on that role of what Virat Kohli did at No. 4," Panesar added.