With India set to face England in a big Test series, KL Rahul’s leadership without Kohli and Rohit is now in the spotlight. For the first time in over ten years, neither Virat Kohli nor Rohit Sharma will be part of the playing XI. This change is significant, not just for fans, but also for Rahul. He’s used to having at least one of them around. Rahul even said it feels “a bit strange.” Still, he’s ready for the challenge.
Rahul has participated in more than 50 Test matches. In nearly every match, either Kohli or Rohit was alongside him. However, that will no longer be the situation. The onus is now on Rahul. And he is not shying away.
About the ongoing situation, He asserted, “Virat and Rohit have been pillars of Indian cricket,” Rahul told Delhi Capitals. “I’ve never played a Test without them. But they’ve given everything to the country. It’s time for the rest of us to step up.”
This will be Rahul’s third Test tour of England. In nine matches there, he has scored 614 runs. He also has two centuries in those games. One came to the Lord’s in 2021. That knock helped India win a famous match. Rahul knows the English conditions well. He also knows how to adjust to those conditions, thanks to his experience.
Adding to his confidence, Rahul had a strong IPL 2025 season. He scored 529 runs, which included a century and three fifties. Once the IPL ended, Rahul quickly switched focus. He started training for red-ball cricket right away. He worked closely with his coach. They focused on preparing for swing and seam, key parts of playing in England.
Rahul understands how tough England is at home. But he sees that as a challenge, not a problem.“Playing here is always tough. But that makes it exciting,” Rahul said. “We have a young team. Everyone wants to do well.”
Currently, with both Kohli and Rohit absent, fans are turning their attention to Rahul. They anticipate that he will make significant runs. Additionally, they expect him to guide the team with composure and clarity. KL Rahul’s leadership in the absence of Kohli and Rohit may signify a new era in Indian Test cricket. Rahul appears prepared to take the lead.
