Yograj Singh got angry again, said a big thing on Rohit-Virat’s retirement

After the retirement of two of India’s greatest cricket icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, from Test cricket in May 2025, the Indian team has officially entered a new era. Following their departure, young and talented batter Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new captain of the Indian Test team. At the age of 25, Gill becomes the fifth youngest player to lead the Indian side in the longest format. His captaincy journey will begin with a five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. This significant shift in leadership marks a major moment in Indian cricket history as the team looks to transition smoothly into the future.

Gill’s appointment reflects the selectors’ faith in his abilities, both as a player and a leader. Having already proven himself as a consistent performer with the bat in all formats, Gill’s maturity and calm demeanor on the field have impressed many. However, not everyone is entirely happy with how things have unfolded. Former India fast bowler Yograj Singh, father of former cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has voiced his disappointment and concern regarding the timing of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirements. Yograj believes that both stalwarts still had a few good years of cricket left in them and could have continued playing, helping guide the team and mentor the next generation of players.

In a recent interview with InsideSport, Yograj Singh said, “Virat and Rohit should not have retired from Tests. I had told Rohit to wake up at 5 a.m. and run 20 kilometers every day to keep himself fit. Both players had the capability to contribute for another five years at least. Their presence would have been valuable not only in terms of performance but also in leadership and guiding youngsters like Shubman Gill.” According to him, the leadership role has not been smoothly transitioned but rather "thrown" onto Gill, which puts undue pressure on the young cricketer.

Yograj went on to express that such abrupt changes in leadership can disrupt the team’s rhythm and affect the morale of young players. He emphasized the importance of experienced players being around to build confidence in upcoming talent. “The responsibility has not been passed on with planning. Instead, Gill has been burdened with it suddenly,” he added. Yograj also shared a personal reflection, recalling that he once promised to help his son Yuvraj become India’s captain, but the opportunity never came as Yuvraj retired before that dream could come true.

Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team is gearing up for the tough five-Test series against England, which will be their first major assignment without Rohit and Kohli in the Test setup. With the absence of two senior figures who have played countless match-winning innings over the years, the onus is now on Shubman Gill and the new leadership group to carry the team forward. This series will be a big test of Gill’s tactical skills, temperament, and ability to unite a team going through a major transition.

The first Test at Headingley on June 20 will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The performances of both the team and Gill as captain will shape opinions on whether the decision to fast-track the leadership change was justified. Regardless of opinions, it is clear that Indian cricket is turning the page and writing a new chapter with fresh faces and renewed energy. All eyes are now on Shubman Gill to see if he can live up to the high expectations and lead India confidently into a new era of Test cricket.