India vs England: Will India miss Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?

In a stunning development that sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirements from Test cricket during the middle of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season. Their decision marked the end of an era for Indian cricket, as two of the most celebrated and influential players in the game bid farewell to the longest format. Both stalwarts will not be part of the much-anticipated five-match Test series between India and England, which begins on Friday, June 20.

ENG vs IND: India will miss Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the England Test series?

With Kohli and Rohit stepping away, India enters the series as clear underdogs. The squad is brimming with young, relatively inexperienced talent, tasked with filling the massive void left by these legends. The team will also be led by a new captain, Shubman Gill, who now shoulders the responsibility of guiding a fresh-look Indian side through a challenging tour against a strong English outfit. The spotlight will be on how this youthful lineup responds to the pressure of a high-profile series and whether they can rise to the occasion without two of their most dependable match-winners. The series promises a new chapter for Indian Test cricket—one full of uncertainty, opportunity, and a fresh leadership era.

England pacer Brydon Carse, who has earned a place in the 14-member squad for the opening Test against India at Headingley, Leeds, shared his thoughts ahead of the highly anticipated clash. Speaking about the absence of Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Carse acknowledged that the two veterans will certainly be missed, not just by India but by fans around the world. He praised their contributions to the game and admitted their presence always added extra intensity to any contest.

However, the 29-year-old was quick to point out that despite the absence of such experienced campaigners, the Indian team still carries significant strength, particularly in the batting department. He emphasized that India’s bench strength is among the best in the world, and their younger players have consistently stepped up in pressure situations. Carse maintained that the England camp is fully prepared and focused, regardless of who India fields in their playing XI. Confident in his team’s preparation, he said that the Three Lions are ready to face any challenge thrown at them by the visiting Indian side. With both teams hungry for early dominance, the stage is set for an intense start to the India vs England five-match series.

"Look, obviously, you know, Virat and Sharma are massive losses for their batting line-up. They've been experienced players over a number of years and, you know, world-class batters," stated England pacer Brydon Carse. 

"But the depth that Indian cricket have and the quality and players coming through, you know, they will, without a doubt, put up a very strong 11 and we're ready for whatever challenge that brings," he added.

Brydon Carse, a rising name in English cricket, has steadily built a reputation as a reliable seam-bowling option across formats. So far, he has featured in five Test matches, 24 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 11 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for England. Across these appearances, Carse has showcased his ability to consistently trouble batters with pace and movement, picking up 27 wickets in Tests, 28 in ODIs, and 17 in T20Is. His knack for striking at crucial moments has made him a valuable asset in England’s bowling attack.

Beyond his primary role with the ball, Carse also brings useful contributions with the bat. He has proven himself as a dependable lower-order batter who can add vital runs when the team needs them most. In Test cricket, he averages 18.80, while in ODIs, his average stands at 19.54—figures that reflect his potential to chip in during pressure situations and turn the tide in close encounters. As England gears up to face India in a major Test series, Carse’s all-round capabilities could play a crucial role. His ability to contribute in both departments adds balance and depth to the squad, making him one to watch in the upcoming matches.