KL Rahul exposes strange scene in Indian dressing room after Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's retirement

Team India batter KL Rahul has opened up about the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the upcoming five-match Test series against England. The veteran cricketer admitted that he has never walked into an Indian dressing room without either Virat or Rohit, adding that it is a strange feeling.

India are set to take on England in the opening Test of the series at Headingley, Leeds, starting on Friday, June 20. This is the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for the side under Shubman Gill. The Men in Blue will face a significant challenge in filling the void left by Rohit and Virat.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Have Been the Pillars of Indian Cricket - KL Rahul

KL Rahul said that this will be his first Test match without either Kohli or Rohit in the dressing room. He described the duo as the backbone of Indian cricket over the past decade. Rahul said that one or both of them have always been part of the squad during his career.

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“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," Rahul said while speaking to Delhi Capitals, as quoted by Sportstak.

"In my whole career so far, I have never walked into a team where there is no Virat or Rohit. In the 50-odd Test matches that I have played, either Virat or Rohit or both of them have been there," he added.

Walking Into the Dressing Room Feels A Bit Strange - KL Rahul

KL Rahul said that it feels unusual to enter a dressing room without the two veterans. Rahul added that he respects their decision, as both players have given their all for the country and will always be regarded as legends of Indian cricket.

"To walk into that dressing room feels a bit strange. But of course, you have to respect their decision. They have given absolutely everything for the country and they will remain legends of Indian cricket. But it’s time for the rest of us to step up,” Rahul told Delhi Capitals.

I Started My Preparations for the England Series Right After IPL 2025 - KL Rahul

The Karnataka batter revealed that he began preparing for the England Test series after the conclusion of IPL 2025. Rahul shared that he consulted with his coach to gear up for the tour, considering the difficulty of facing England in their home conditions.

“I started with my preparations for the England series right after the IPL. I spoke to my coach as well to get prepared for this assignment. It’s always a challenge coming to England as they are a pretty good side, especially when they play at home. It’s going to be a challenge for all of us as we are a comparatively young team,” the 33-year-old said.

Rahul is expected to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. He will play as an opener for the new World Test Championship cycle. Rahul had opened with Jaiswal at the top during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He scored 276 runs across 10 innings at an average of 30.67, including two fifties.

Also read: Virat Kohli, Joe Root snubbed as ex-England skippers pick 'All-Time India-England Test XI of the 21st Century'