The sudden retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket have sent shockwaves through the Indian cricketing fraternity, particularly with the crucial five-match Test series against England looming. While both players cited personal reasons for their departures, the timing has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from some quarters. Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, has been particularly vocal, slamming the duo for what he perceives as an abandonment of their responsibilities towards the younger generation of cricketers.

Rohit Sharma, 38, announced his retirement on May 7th, stating his desire to focus on the ODI format. Virat Kohli, 36, followed suit just five days later, expressing that the time felt right to step away from the longest format after 14 years. While both players have had illustrious Test careers, their simultaneous exit has created a significant leadership vacuum in the Indian team. Rohit Sharma played 67 Tests, amassing 4301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries.

Yograj Singh believes that both Rohit and Virat should have continued playing Test cricket for another five years to guide the youngsters. He feels that they had a responsibility to properly pass the "baton" to the next generation, rather than abruptly leaving them to fend for themselves. According to Yograj, the "baton has not been passed, it has been thrown to Gill." This statement reflects his disappointment at what he sees as a lack of mentorship and guidance for the young players who are now expected to fill the shoes of these two giants.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Shubman Gill as Rohit Sharma's successor in the Test format. While Gill is a promising young talent, Yograj questions whether he has been thrust into the leadership role too soon, without the necessary support and experience. Gill, born on September 8, 1999, made his Test debut in December 2020. In his Test career, Shubman Gill has played 32 matches to date and has scored 1,893 runs, with an average of 35.

The upcoming Test series against England will be a significant challenge for Shubman Gill and the new-look Indian team. With senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and possibly Ravichandran Ashwin (who's participation is uncertain) absent, the youngsters will need to step up and perform under pressure. The squad includes fresh faces like Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Karun Nair, who will all be looking to make a mark on the international stage.

Ravi Shastri, former Indian coach, also expressed his sadness over Virat Kohli's sudden retirement from Test cricket and acknowledging Kohli's significant impact as a player. Shastri believes Kohli's exit could have been managed more thoughtfully, suggesting better communication was needed.

While the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli mark the end of an era in Indian Test cricket, they also present an opportunity for a new generation of players to rise to the occasion. Whether Shubman Gill and his team can successfully navigate this transitional phase remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the upcoming Test series against England will be a defining moment for Indian cricket.