Virat Kohli announced a shock Test retirement few days before the selection meeting for the India-England series. The former India captain was expected to travel to England for the all-important series but he informed the selection committee about his decision in April. Virat retired from T20Is after winning the 2024 World Cup in June and he is now only active in ODIs.

Before India's first series of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, Michael Clarke made a huge claim on Virat's Test retirement. The Australian great said that Virat could come out of retirement if India lose the series in England because "he still loves Test cricket."

"I believe this. If India go to England and get flogged, if they lose the series 5-0 for example, I think the fans will want Virat Kohli to come out of retirement and play Test cricket again," Clarke said on Beyond23 Cricket podcast.

"And I honestly, I think if he was asked by the captain, selectors and supported by fans, if they get beaten big time in England, I think he’ll come. He still loves Test cricket. "I think his words, I think those words, like you could hear his passion for Test cricket is real."

A week before Virat's retirement, Rohit Sharma also quit Test cricket. India will be without the services of their two best batters in England.

Shubman Gill has taken over as India's new Test captain. He bats at number 3 in Test cricket. Shubman will be assisted by Rishabh Pant, who has been a regular since his Test debut in 2018.

Jasprit Bumrah, who once looked set to become new Test captain, missed out on the top job due to his fitness issues. The India-England five-match Test series will kick off on June 20. The final Test of the series will be played from July 31 to August 4 in London.

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