Virat Kohli will be missed more than Rohit Sharma by India in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, opined former England legend Geoffrey Boycott. Not only will they be missed, but the duo's recent retirement from the format will "hurt" the transitioning Indian team on the English shores.

"The retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hurts the chances of India beating England. Kohli is the biggest loss as he has been their best batsman and talisman in all three formats," Boycott wrote in his column for the Daily Telegraph.

"With so much international cricket played by India, and so little rest, it takes its toll and the mind becomes fatigued."

"It does not matter how much talent or experience you have, if you are not mentally fresh and up for the challenge then it becomes draining.

"Rohit was a superb batsman. At his best, a beautiful stroke player, but he won't be missed as much as Kohli because his Test record was good rather than exceptional. In the last couple of years his batting was a little inconsistent, which was not surprising in his late 30s.

"Rohit was never a natural athlete like Kohli and he knows that opening the innings in England can be pretty tough because the new ball moves around more. You really have to be up for the challenge to have any chance of success.

"I just think that over time the wear and tear of opening the innings and being captain in all three formats wore him down," observed Boycott.

India last won a Test series in England in 2007, while the hosts come into the rubber after defeating Zimbabwe in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge last month.

While the absence of Kohli and Rohit has weakened the Indian batting, Boycott advised England to be wary and not get complacent.

"It's Bazball or Bazball and that is the way we play; take it or leave it. They don't want to change or learn from their losses. It doesn't seem to make any difference that so many top class ex-England Test players keep telling them to moderate their batting.

"So please, get your act together, bring your best game and apply some cricket nous," Boycott concluded.

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