India vs England test series at ‘risk’, thanks to Virat Kohli’s test retirement

Indian cricket has been rocked by a succession of high-profile retirements, with Virat Kohli becoming the latest to announce his exit from Test cricket. This follows similar decisions by skipper Rohit Sharma and veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

With all three legends now stepping aside, fans and analysts alike are questioning what lies ahead for India's red-ball ambitions.

Ashwin: ‘Kohli is the Brand Ambassador of Test Cricket’

In a recent episode of his YouTube show, Ravichandran Ashwin expressed deep concern about the future of Test cricket, specifically in India.

“Virat Kohli is not just a player; he is the brand ambassador of Test cricket,” Ashwin said. Recalling the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Ashwin highlighted how Kohli’s mere presence generated buzz. 

“When he came, the media had headlines like ‘King Kohli is back’. His cutouts were everywhere. People bought tickets just to see him.”

Series in Jeopardy: Marketing, Ticket Sales, and Viewership Hit?

Now, the upcoming India vs England Test series, scheduled for June 2025, may face a significant setback in terms of public interest and commercial viability due to Virat Kohli's retirement.

Early indicators from broadcasting agencies and regional cricket boards suggest that ticket sales would slow, and TRP forecasts for television and digital platforms will likely take a dip. 

Kohli, for over a decade, wasn’t just a run-machine but a crowd magnet as his presence at the crease was often the key driver of stadium attendance.

Further, the cricketer’s stature in Indian cricket, especially in the red-ball format, meant that his name was often central to series promotions. With him out, the India vs England Tests risk becoming a lower-draw event, particularly among casual fans and sponsors.

Merchandise sales and hospitality bookings have also reportedly slowed, pointing to a broader ripple effect.

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Some suggest boosting the presence of emerging stars like Shubman Gill or pushing historic rivalries and venue legacies to retain audience interest. However, the general sentiment is that without the allure of 'King Kohli', it will be an uphill task to replicate the buzz of past marquee series.

Leadership Vacuum: Who Steps Up Now?

With Rohit, Kohli, and Ashwin gone, a new era of Indian Test cricket begins, but the transition is fraught with uncertainty.

While KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shubman Gill are seen as leadership prospects, none carry the same gravitas or fan pull as Kohli.

Test cricket, already battling for relevance in an era of T20 leagues and franchise glamour, may find Virat Kohli’s absence particularly costly, provided that India’s fan-driven cricket economy has leaned heavily on stars to keep the longest format alive.

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As the countdown begins for the England series, all eyes are now on the selectors, broadcasters, and BCCI strategists to reinvigorate public interest. But for millions of fans, the game simply won’t be the same without ‘King Kohli’ walking out with his trademark swagger to the sound of a roaring crowd.