ENG vs IND Test 2025: 'Virat Kohli's retirement will be a big advantage', former all-rounder claims
ENG vs IND Test 2025, Moeen Ali on Virat Kohli: Moeen Ali, who retired from international cricket in 2023, said that England will benefit greatly from the absence of India's two most senior Test batsmen.
India's best-ever Test captain Kohli, retired this week along with Rohit Sharma. This is a huge blow to the Indian team, which begins the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle next month. At the start of a critical series, the Indian team could lose both leadership and experience. The presence of players like Rohit and Virat in the team is sufficient to give that team the morale boost. But the former English all-rounder is of the opinion that although this is a huge setback for Team India and cricket, England stands to gain from this.
Moeen Ali, who retires from international cricket in 2023, said the absence of India's two most senior Test batsmen will benefit England greatly. Moeen Ali believes Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket is a "big blow" to the format, describing the Indian great as a "pioneer" whose passion and charisma drew fans to stadiums just like Sachin Tendulkar once did. As India gear up for a tough five-Test series against England starting June 20 at Headingley, Moeen admitted the absence of Kohli and Rohit Sharma is a big blow for the visitors and a timely advantage for the hosts.
Moeen told Sky Sports, “It is a big blow for Test cricket. Virat was a man in Test cricket who always took this format forward. He has done a lot for the game, especially in India. I think after Sachin, he was a man everyone came to watch. He filled stadiums. His record was great, he was a great player to watch. The style he played inspired many people. It is a big blow not only for India, but for the sport as well.”
Moeen said, “Of course, I think it is good news for England. Two top players, who have been to England many times on tour, so they have experience. I remember Rohit played really well last time. The character they have, the kind of leaders they are, both have captained India in Test cricket. So it is a huge loss for the team.” Rohit played a key role during the 2021 tour, scoring 368 runs including a memorable century at The Oval. With both him and Kohli gone, India now face the challenge of giving new leadership and opportunities to less experienced batsmen in overseas conditions.
