Following his recent retirement from Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has publicly expressed his admiration and support for Shubman Gill, who is now set to lead the national team in the upcoming Test series against England. Kohli, who retired after playing 123 Test matches and scoring 9,230 runs, acknowledged Gill's talent and potential, referring to him as a "star boy" who deserves all the accolades coming his way.

Kohli's message carries significant weight, especially considering his influential role in shaping the landscape of Test cricket over the past decade. His retirement, along with that of Rohit Sharma, marks a transition period for Indian cricket, with Gill stepping up to lead a relatively young and inexperienced side. Kohli's words of encouragement serve as a morale booster for Gill, who faces the daunting task of filling the shoes of two batting stalwarts.

Gill, who made his Test debut in 2020, has acknowledged the impact Kohli has had on him and an entire generation of cricketers. In a heartfelt tribute, Gill expressed his gratitude to Kohli, recognizing his contributions to Test cricket and expressing his hope to carry forward the same "fire and commitment".

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced Gill as India's next Test captain, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the team in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2027 campaign, which begins with a five-match Test series against England. Despite the likes of KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah being in the squad, Rishabh Pant has been named as Gill's deputy for the England tour.

While the specifics of Kohli's post-retirement message to Gill remain concise, its significance lies in the timing and the underlying sentiment. Kohli's public endorsement of Gill reflects the faith the cricketing legend has in the young leader's abilities. It also sends a message to the team and the fans, assuring them that Indian cricket is in capable hands as it enters a new era.

As Gill prepares to lead India in the Test series against England, he recognizes the challenges that lie ahead. Replacing Kohli and Sharma is no easy feat, and Gill is aware of the responsibility on his shoulders. However, with the support of experienced players and the encouragement from legends like Kohli, Gill is ready to embrace the challenge and guide the Indian team to new heights.