After R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to quit Test cricket? Report makes BIG claim

Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement may mark the start of a big transformation within the Indian cricket team, with more veteran players expected to follow suit. According to Cricbuzz, the team is preparing for a moment of transformation, which might begin with the forthcoming England series next summer.

Following India's success in the ICC T20 World Cup earlier this year, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja have already waved farewell to the game's shortest format. Both Kohli and Sharma have struggled with form, particularly the latter, who has had difficulty establishing his groove.

With the Border Gavaskar Trophy now deadlocked at 1-1, India has a good chance to seize control of the remaining two Tests. Notably, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were passed over for the Australian tour by selectors, while Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Umesh Yadav have not represented India in some time.

The Cricbuzz report stated, “How much of this decision is planned, voluntary, or subtly influenced is difficult to determine, but the Indian team is expected to undergo a transformation soon - possibly by the start of their next Test series in England in the coming summer of 2025. As in the past, the credit or discredit will likely be linked to the Test series in Australia. Over the years, Australia tours have gained a notorious reputation for bringing cricketing careers to an agonising end.”

When Virat Kohli was playing in Australia, he was harshly criticised for getting out to deliveries outside the off stump. If India fails to make the World Test Championship final for the first time, the 36-year-old batsman may contemplate retiring from Test cricket.

As India prepares for the upcoming fourth Test in Melbourne, the team is already setting its sights on the future. The management is eager to introduce a new generation of players while ensuring that the team remains competitive.

The retirement of Ashwin, along with uncertainties surrounding the future of other senior players, indicates a deliberate change in strategy. Despite these changes, the primary focus during this transition period will be on developing a team that is well-equipped to tackle upcoming challenges.

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