"No one has the right to tell someone.."- Gautam Gambhir opens up on Virat, Rohit's Test retirement

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir recently shared his views on the sudden retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket. Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on 7th May. While the cricketing world was still coming to terms with the decision, Virat Kohli also called time on his Test career on 12th May 2025. 

The duo would have been two of the most important batters in the line-up ahead of the five-match Test series in England. However, the duo’s retirement has left a significant void to fill. In an interview with CNN- News 18, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir indirectly stated that the team management and the selectors had nothing to do with Virat and Rohit’s Test retirement. 

Here’s what he said: 

“I think, when you start the game and when you want to finish, it’s a very individual decision. No one has the right. Be it the coach, the selector, be it anyone in this country has any right to tell someone when to retire and when not to retire. So it comes from within," Gautam Gambhir told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview.

Gautam Gambhir acknowledged that the Indian Test team will miss their two experienced players in England but also expressed excitement on the opportunity presented for young players to cash in. 

“And yes, we’ve got to be without two senior players to really experience players. And sometimes I believe that it’s the opportunity for some other people to put their hand up and say, Okay, I’m ready for it. So yes, it will be tough, but then there’ll be people putting their hand up for sure because this question was asked to me before.” 

India tour of England 2025 begins on 20th June 2025

The Indian team will tour England for a five-match Test series, beginning 20th June 2025. The first Test is scheduled to take place from 20th to 24th June in Headingley, Leeds. The two teams will then lock horns for the second Test at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, scheduled from 2nd to 6th July 2025. 

The Lord’s Cricket ground will play host for the third Test, set to take place from 10th to 14th July. The fourth (23-27 July) and fifth Test (31st July- 4th August) will be played at Emirates Old Trafford and Kennington Oval in London, respectively. 

As per reports, India’s squad for the England Tests is set to be announced on 24th May 2025. Indian batter Shubman Gill is considered a frontrunner to become the new captain of India's Test team. Jasprit Bumrah is also a prominent contender. However, his history of recurring injury remains a major concern.