Virat Kohli not the first player to retire, India have rebuilt even after Gavaskar-Tendulkar: Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev wants the young Indian team to play without pressure on the England Tour. Kapil also mentioned that India have overcome the rebuilding phase after Gavaskar-Tendulkar, who were the greats of the game.

No one has to panic for the England tour as Virat Kohli is not the first player to retire from the Indian team, claimed Kapil.

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Kapil Dev backs young Indian side

Former World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev didn’t hesitate before calling out Virat Kohli’s name, as he is not the first player to retire from Test cricket.

India have encountered such situations earlier, like when Sunil Gavaskar retired, everyone thought that the Indian team was finished, and who would lead India’s batting side. Then, fans witnessed the rise of Sachin Tendulkar.

After that, Sachin also retired from the game, and Indian rebuilt the team again, and now the Indian team is going through the rebuilding phase. Any player’s departure is an opportunity for the other player.

“These boys are also playing in June-July, and I am sure they will adapt, True, there is going to be a void with Virat (Kohli) and Rohit (Sharma) having retired from Test cricket, but then India did encounter such a situation when Sunil (Gavaskar), Sachin (Tendulkar) and (Rahul) Dravid retired. India rebuilt the team then, and it will rebuild now. The youngsters have to grab the chance and perform. You may win or lose, but every time, you will learn.” Kapil Dev stated.

The Indian team will learn from the England tour, irrespective of the result, we have to support our young team, as this is their rebuilding phase, as three senior players retired from the format.

Kapil Dev’s expectations from the Indian team

Kapil Dev believed that it was good that there were no high expectations from the young team. It’s sometimes better to perform as the underdog, he feels.

Kapil backed Gill as the leader, and said that Gill will take the responsibility to contribute with the bat for his team. Jasprit Bumrah will also support him as the senior player.

“It is good the expectations are not high because the team is young. It will help Gill and his team. It is sometimes better to be underdogs. You can perform better. For me, Gill is a player ready to take on the world. With support from (Jasprit) Bumrah, I am sure Gill will emerge as a strong captain,” Kapil Dev added.

India’s young core group

The selectors have made a young core group for the future and selected many young players for the England tour. Sai Sudarshan got his maiden call-up from the selectors.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul will take care of the top order. Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jure,l and Nitish Kumar Reddy will be there in the middle order.

To support the young batter, India picked the experienced bowlers in their Test team for the England tour.