"Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma lost.."- Shardul Thakur's shocking truth bomb on Test Retirement

Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has made a bold statement on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the Test series ahead of the crucial five-match Test series against England. India’s Test team is entering a new era as they will travel without their most experienced players.

Reflecting on their Test retirements, Shardul, who played with both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, has boldly hinted that the iconic batters might have lost their drive and realized that they can’t contribute to the team in the format the same way they used to, and that’s why they took that call.

They realize they will not be able to contribute: Shardul Thakur on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's Test retirements

However, the seasoned all-rounder admitted that having senior players around always brought balance and strength to the team. Now, the younger generation will have to step up and carry forward the legacy in the traditional format of the game.

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Shardul Thakur was quoted as saying by RevSportz, “They are the most senior and experienced ones in the game at present, but then again, it’s a personal call when they realize they will not be able to contribute and drive the format the same way as before.

There is a great deal of protection when senior players are around, and having a good mix of senior and junior players in the team provides flourishing results.”

Shardul Thakur says England tour is going to be an interesting for everyone

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja is now the most experienced player in the Test squad. And Shardul said that the England tour will be exciting, with new roles and fresh responsibilities for everyone, including the new captain, and he is looking forward to the Test series.

Thakur added, “With the absence of driving forces like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, I guess the most experienced player now is Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja). So overall, it is going to be an interesting tour for everyone, with different responsibilities on their shoulders, including new captaincy.”

The Mumbai all-rounder is back in the Indian cricket team, having last sported the national jersey in 2023. Thakur will first play for India A against the England Lions in the two unofficial Test matches before joining the main squad for the five-match Test series.

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Shardul Thakur opens up about the biggest challenge in England

He said that the biggest challenge in England is the changing weather, where you can experience three seasons in one day, and it will be important for the young squad to acclimatize to the conditions to survive and then deliver in the five-match Test series.

Shardul Thakur signed off by saying, “I think weather is the biggest challenge in England. In one day, you can see all three types of weather. It gets suddenly cold. When the sun is out, it is nice and warm. And when it’s cloudy, it starts drizzling again.”

Notably, Shardul Thakur has played under all three Test captains, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, and will now play under the 4th captain—Shubman Gill. Thakur said that Gill is very serious and calm, a composed player, while Rishabh Pant is a funny and lively guy, and he is excited to play under the young guns.