Shardul Thakur feels that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may have retired from Tests, knowing that they can’t contribute or drive the format as before. Rohit and Kohli decided to step away from the longest format of the game earlier in the month, just before the squad for the England tour was picked.

Both men have been crucial to the Test team for the past few years as India reached the World Test Championship final twice. Speaking to RevSportz, Shardul said that decisions by Kohli and Rohit are personal. The all-rounder went on to say that the presence of the duo did offer a lot of protection for the others in the side and having a good mix of youth and experience provides good results.

“They are the most senior figures in the game, but such decisions are personal. It comes when they feel they can’t contribute or drive the format as before,” Thakur said.

“There is a great deal of protection when senior players are around, and having a good mix of senior and junior players in the team provides flourishing results.”

Shardul opened up on the role Jadeja has in the team now since Rohit and Kohli retired. The all-rounder said that the upcoming tour will test everyone, including the new leaders in the team.

“Jaddu is now the most experienced. This tour will test everyone, with new responsibilities, including leadership roles.”

“It’s a fresh challenge, but we have the talent. Young players must seize this opportunity to build their own legacy,” Shardul said.

‘Weather will be the biggest challenge in England’

Shardul said that the biggest challenge in England will be tackling the weather. The all-rounder said that one could see three seasons in a single day while playing in England.

“I think weather is the biggest challenge in England. In one day, you can see all three weathers. It gets suddenly cold. When the sun is out it is nice and warm. And when it’s cloudy, it’s starts drizzling again,” Thakur explained.

The India tour of England will start on June 20.