London: Ahead of India’s much-anticipated Test series against England, former captain Virat Kohli played host to some of the team’s young stars at his London residence. According to reports, Kohli welcomed newly appointed Test skipper Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj for an informal get-together earlier this week.
The visit comes just days before the first Test at Headingley, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Indian cricket. With both Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from the longest format, a younger core led by Gill is set to take the reins. The gathering offered a relaxed setting for conversations, bonding, and perhaps a few words of advice from one of Indian cricket’s most iconic figures.
A short video from the evening, shared by RevSportz, showed the trio leaving Kohli’s house in high spirits, hinting at the camaraderie that continues to thrive in the Indian camp even as leadership transitions take place.
Though retired from Test cricket, Kohli remains a key figure in the team’s ecosystem. His experience and insight, especially in overseas conditions, continue to be valued by the players and team management alike. Sources suggest Kohli may even attend one of the Test matches in London later in the series to support the squad.
India will kick off their five-match Test series against England on June 20. All eyes will be on Gill and Pant as they begin their leadership journey in challenging English conditions, and the team will be hoping to build on the strong foundation laid by the previous generation.
Kohli’s simple gesture of hosting his teammates underscores the continuity and unity that remain central to India’s red-ball ambitions. As the new era begins, the old guard is still very much part of the story — even if from the sidelines.
