In London, days before the first Test match against England, Virat Kohli, who recently retired from Test cricket alongside Rohit Sharma, hosted a few Indian cricketers at his residence. According to reports, the informal gathering included India's new Test captain, Shubman Gill, wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain, Rishabh Pant, and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.

Sources indicate that the meeting was a casual get-together rather than a formal team meeting. The Indian team had an off day following their intra-squad match in Kent, providing an opportunity for the players to meet with Kohli. While details of the discussion remain undisclosed, it's believed that Kohli aimed to motivate the team ahead of the crucial five-match Test series. The series is scheduled to commence on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds.

Kohli's retirement from Test cricket came as a surprise to many, especially so close to the England series. His decision, along with Rohit Sharma's, marks a significant shift in Indian cricket, placing greater responsibility on the shoulders of the younger players. Shubman Gill, at 25, now leads a relatively inexperienced side in a challenging series against England.

Gill's leadership experience includes captaining India's T20 side in a five-match series against Zimbabwe in 2024, where India won four games. Despite his promising start in T20s, leading the Test team in English conditions presents a different challenge. The five-match Test series will be held at iconic venues such as Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord's, The Oval, and Old Trafford.

Kohli's gesture of inviting the players to his London home underscores his continued influence on Indian cricket. Even after stepping away from the Test arena, his mentorship and support remain invaluable to the team. The meeting with Gill, Pant, and Siraj is seen as a symbolic passing of the torch, with Kohli offering his guidance and encouragement to the next generation of leaders.

The series against England marks the beginning of a new era for Indian Test cricket. With the absence of Kohli and Sharma, the team will need to rebuild and adapt under Gill's leadership. The focus will be on Gill and Pant, who are expected to play key roles in both leadership and performance.

The meeting in London suggests that Kohli will continue to support and mentor the team from afar. While he may not be on the field, his presence and influence will undoubtedly be felt as India embarks on this new chapter in Test cricket. It remains to be seen whether Kohli will attend the opening Test at Headingley, but his impact on the team's morale and preparation is already evident.