Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant bonhomie in London ahead of India vs England tests

Virat Kohli may have stepped away from Test cricket, but his influence on Team India remains unmistakable. Just days before India’s much-anticipated five-Test series against England begins at Headingley, the former captain hosted current skipper Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, and pacer Mohammed Siraj at his London residence in an informal, off-camera gathering.

The meeting took place on June 16, during an official rest day for the Indian team after an intra-squad warm-up in Kent, as per reports by reputed social media cricket handles.

While not formally acknowledged as part of the team’s preparations, the timing and guest list signified its deeper emotional and symbolic value. With Kohli now living in London following his sudden retirement from the longest format, the get-together marked a quiet passing of the torch to India’s next generation of red-ball leaders.

Test Rebuild Underway with Gill at Helm

The upcoming series will be Gill’s first assignment as full-time Test captain following the exits of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma earlier this year.

Pant, returning to a leadership role after his long injury layoff, takes on the role of vice-captain. The informal meet with Kohli, just days before this transition takes centre stage, served as a reminder of the mentorship and legacy still surrounding the team, even in retirement.

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India is set to begin training in Leeds from Tuesday, with head coach Gautam Gambhir rejoining the squad after briefly returning to India. The first Test begins June 20 at Headingley, a venue that will now host the dawn of India’s new Test era.

Adding to the team’s reshuffle, fast bowler Harshit Rana has been asked to stay back in England after a decent outing with India A.

Initially left out of the main squad, Rana’s retention signals flexibility in India’s pace plans and the willingness to explore fresh options in English conditions.