With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, fans are now looking at the next generation of players who will take Indian Test cricket forward. Between 2014 and 2019, Kohli raised India’s standard in the longer format with aggressive batting, high fitness levels, and fearless leadership. But the time has come for new faces to enter this significant role.
Several young talents have already shown their potential on the international stage, and the upcoming England tour could test their mental and technical strength. Let’s look at five young Indian players seen as the future of Indian Test cricket and how they could shape the team’s success in the post-Kohli-Rohit era.
Shubman Gill: The New Main Man?
Shubman Gill, one of India’s most promising young batsmen, is already a regular part of the Test team. Many fans and experts believe he can eventually lead India in red-ball cricket. At 25, Gill finds himself at a point in his career where Kohli once stood — full of potential but facing challenges in converting talent into consistent Test performances.
Gill has scored 1893 runs in 32 Tests at an average of 35, which is decent but still far from the high standards Kohli set. One central area of concern is his record in England, where he averages 14.66 after three matches. Gill must work on his technique to succeed in those conditions, especially against the swinging ball. He must play close to the body and avoid loose drives outside off-stump.
If he improves in these areas, Gill has the game to become India’s batting backbone in the coming years.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Aggression with Technique
Yashasvi Jaiswal has already impressed in various away tours, including the West Indies, South Africa, and Australia. Now, he is set to open in England — a much more formidable challenge due to the late swing and seam movement.
Jaiswal will need to hold back his natural attacking instincts in English conditions. While his drives and cuts have brought him success elsewhere, he must now learn to leave the ball wisely and play with soft hands. These are not just technical changes but mental ones, too.
Jaiswal can take lessons from Kohli, who failed badly in England in 2014 but returned in 2018 to score 593 runs in five Tests at an average of 59, showing remarkable improvement in his technique and mindset.
Dhruv Jurel: India’s Backup Keeper in Waiting
At just 24, Dhruv Jurel has already impressed selectors with his calm presence behind the stumps and useful batting performances. He made a solid debut against England but still has much to prove. While Rishabh Pant remains India’s first-choice keeper, Jurel is seen as the next big option.
He played well in warm-up matches against Australia, scoring two fighting half-centuries. Jurel brings the fighting spirit that current head coach Gautam Gambhir values. His ability to play under pressure and stick to basics also makes him a good long-term option in the middle order.
B Sai Sudharsan: Calmness in the Middle Order
Sai Sudharsan might not have made his Test debut yet, but his performances in county cricket for Surrey have caught the selectors’ attention. The 23-year-old left-hander has a calm, composed style, which might balance out Jaiswal’s aggressive approach at the top.
Sudharsan can play on both sides of the wicket and adjust to difficult conditions — a key skill when batting in England or New Zealand. His performances in domestic cricket and the IPL also show he has the temperament to stay at the crease and build long innings.
His inclusion in the Test squad for the England tour looks likely, and if he gets a chance, it could be a game-changing moment in his career.
Sarfaraz Khan: Talent That Needs Fitness and Form
Sarfaraz Khan, aged 27, has already shown what he can do with the bat. He scored a powerful 150-run knock against New Zealand in Bengaluru and made headlines for his aggressive batting style. However, injury problems and inconsistent form have slowed down his journey.
Sarfaraz is one of the most gifted players in Indian domestic cricket. However, his fitness issues continue to be a concern. Kohli has always been a role model in terms of fitness, and Sarfaraz will need to follow a similar path if he wants to survive and thrive in international cricket.
His passion and talent are evident, but he must focus on discipline and match readiness to become a regular part of India’s Test setup.
India’s New Test Future Without Kohli-Rohit
Now that Kohli and Rohit have stepped away from red-ball cricket, these young names must carry the team forward. Whether it’s Gill leading the batting order, Jaiswal setting the tone as an opener, or Jurel handling the pressure behind the stumps — the next era of Indian Test cricket looks exciting and full of potential.
But replacing two legends is not easy. These players will need strong technique, high fitness, mental toughness, and the hunger to succeed under pressure — traits that Kohli displayed in abundance.
Sources: Aaj Tak, Indian Express
Disclaimer: Player statistics and selections are subject to change based on form, fitness, and official announcements by BCCI.
