‘Transition is bound to happen’ – Anil Kumble opens up on Rohit-Virat’s absence from Tests

Anil Kumble opened up on the prospect of Shubman Gill being the new Indian Test captain, following the retirement of seasoned players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma before the start of the WTC Cycle 2025-27. The former Indian Coach claimed the captaincy of India to be different than that of leading a franchise or a state side.

The former Indian skipper accepted that the pressure and responsibility as an Indian captain are immense. However, Kumble deemed Gill capable to figure out what needs to be done. Kumble backed all the younger players in the Indian Test setup to carry forward the team and felt they played a brand of cricket suitable for Tests.

“I think captaincy for India is slightly different from captaining a franchise or any state side; it comes with its own responsibilities and pressures. But I’m sure Shubman will figure it out, and I think he is capable. They (India’s young team) are all capable — you’ve seen that with the kind of cricket they play and the brand of cricket they represent,” said Kumble in the fireside chat on the Australia Summer of Cricket 2025-26 arranged by Jiostar.

‘I’m sure the dressing room will get used to’ – Anil Kumble on the absence of veterans

He then spoke about the transition period India is going through. The former Indian bowler added that things will be different when the three pillars of the team, like Virat, Rohit, and Ravichandran Ashwin, are no longer available. However, he concluded by saying that the new Indian team will get used to it with time.

“Transition is bound to happen, and with three pillars of Indian cricket not available, it’s going to be different, for us as fans too—when the Indian team takes the field in the first Test and those three names aren’t there. That’s something I’m sure the dressing room will get used to,” Kumble added. 

India will play England in a Test series of five matches in their backyard to start their WTC Cycle 2025-27. It will be the first series for Gill as a captain, who will have the pressure of reviving India’s Test setup.

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