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"Dressing Room Feels Strange": KL Rahul On Kohli, Rohit's Absence In Indian Team

Abhinav Tyagi

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma - (Source : @Johns/X.com)KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma - (Source : @Johns/X.com)

On Friday, June 20, India will face England in the first of a five-match Test series at Headingley, Leeds. The upcoming match marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for the Shubman Gill-led side.

Team India has undergone a major overhaul, with seniors Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bidding adieu to red-ball cricket. Replacing these two veterans will be a significant challenge.

Rahul Talks About Virat, Rohit's Impact

Every Indian star in the current squad has expressed their thoughts on the absence of Virat and Rohit. Most recently, KL Rahul joined the conversation, remarking that this will be his first Test without either of them by his side.

“Virat and Rohit have been the pillars of Indian cricket for the last decade or so, and not having them around will be a huge miss. In my whole career so far, I have never walked into a team where there is no Virat or Rohit. In the 50-odd Test matches that I have played, either Virat or Rohit or both of them have been there," KL Rahul remarked while speaking to Delhi Capitals as quoted by Sportstak.

KL Rahul also remarked that the respects their decision and also urged the youngsters and rest of the squad to step-up in their absence. 

 To walk into that dressing room feels a bit strange. But of course, you have to respect their decision. They have given absolutely everything for the country and they will remain legends of Indian cricket. But it’s time for the rest of us to step up,” KL Rahul told Delhi Capitals (DC) after Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

KL Rahul Replaces Rohit Sharma at the Top

For the upcoming series and the new WTC cycle, KL Rahul will open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal, replacing Rohit Sharma at the top. Notably, Rahul was also tried as an opener during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he was the only batter to show consistent promise.

During the BGT, Rahul scored 276 runs in 10 innings at an average of 30.67, including two fifty-plus scores while opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.