Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to follow R Ashwin? Four Players who may Retire for India before England Test Series

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Ravichandran Ashwin bidding adieu to international cricket, abruptly amid a Test series in Australia does speak some unheard screams beneath the rosy front.

The Indian team, which managed a draw in Brisbane on Wednesday (December 18), saw Ashwin announcing his departure as an Indian player as the off-spinner signed off effective immediately.

And if reports are to be considered, it just seems the beginning. Ravi Ashwin's retirement may initiate a chain reaction which may witness the departure of the 'Last Bunch of OGs', as Ashwin mentioned at the press conference.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara - these five pillars of India the onus of Test cricket as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman went into seclusion in 2013.

But as we enter 2025, the Indian team is looking to embrace the new generation - which may indicate the end of the veterans, who have carried Indian cricket for the past decade or so. The omission from Perth Test was the final straw for Ashwin as an India cricketer, and he was forced by Rohit Sharma to play in the pink ball Test. And amid the poor run of form, both Rohit and Virat are not in green zone.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to follow Ashwin?

As per a report from Cricbuzz, other senior players may follow suit before the England Test series. In 2025, India will be playing in a five-match Test series in England after the WTC final of this current cycle.

But it may be the initiation of a drastic change in the Indian cricket team. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and his staff are pretty much looking forward to a new core and a new generation of players who will be taking the Indian team forward.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli have been struggling for runs. The duo have struggled to find their consistency in the Red Ball format for the last few years. Virat Kohli has scored sporadic centuries while Rohit Sharma has also notched up runs, but the consistency from their bat in Test cricket has gone missing.

Amid this, the Indian senior duo may well have to leave their places for the future generation and it may arrive earlier than expected. Both players are certain to feature in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, and a decision regarding the Test future may come after that.

Which Players may retire for India?

Rohit Sharma: The India captain has already been rumoured to take Test cricket retirement and it may come in 2025.

Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli, a modern day great, has found things difficult in Test cricket in recent times. The batting star may also take a decision on the longer format in the coming months. But his decision will be dependant on his own batting form, as the case for Rohit as well.

Ravindra Jadeja: Ravindra Jadeja is expected to call on his Test career in coming years - but if things go wrong for him and India find any substitute, Jadeja may call it quits.

Cheteshwar Pujara: Cheteshwar Pujara is already out of the Indian team for some time now. The crafty batter has already been part of broadcasters and he may announce his retirement from international cricket in 2025.