Virat Kohli’s retirement massive boost for England: Moeen Ali

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has described Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket as a significant setback for the format, while also addressing India's upcoming five-Test series in England starting June 20 at Headingley. Ali particularly emphasized Kohli's role as a pioneer in Test cricket and the impact of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma's absence on the Indian team.Both Kohli, India's most successful Test captain, and Rohit Sharma announced their retirements earlier this week, creating a leadership vacuum ahead of the crucial series that marks the beginning of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle."It's a massive blow to Test cricket. Virat was the one pioneer, the one guy in Test cricket that always pushed the format," Moeen told Sky Sports. "He's done so much for the game, especially in India. I think after Sachin, he was the guy everybody came to watch. He filled out stadiums.""He had an amazing record, was a brilliant player to watch — very competitive and a brilliant captain. The style he played with inspired many. It's a big blow not just for India, but for the game."Moeen, who retired from international cricket in 2023 but continues in T20 franchise cricket, acknowledged that England would benefit from the absence of India's two senior Test batters."Definitely, I think it's a massive boost for England," Moeen said. "Two top players, who've been to England a few times on tour, so they have the experience. I remember Rohit playing really well the last time. The character they have, the leaders they are — both of them have captained India in Test cricket — so yeah, a massive loss for the team."Quiz: Who's that IPL player?Rohit's contribution during the 2021 tour was significant, scoring 368 runs including a century at The Oval.Regarding future leadership, Moeen suggested Shubman Gill as the likely candidate to take over the captaincy role."I think it will be Shubman Gill," Moeen said. "Ideally, they (BCCI) would want Jasprit Bumrah to captain because he is a very good leader who has done it before. But because of his injury record, he might not be able to last the whole series."While Gill leads Gujarat Titans in the IPL, he hasn't captained India in Tests or ODIs."They've still got a very, very good captain in Gill , inexperienced yes, but a good captain and a good brain," Moeen opined. "But it will be a challenge. England is a tough place for any touring captain, and when it's your first time as leader, it's even more difficult."Moeen believes England will start as favorites in the series, given their home advantage and strong Test squad under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum."The signs look good for England to take the series," Moeen said, before adding a customary warning: "But I would never underestimate India or the ability they have, particularly with the bat. They still have brilliant players — they just don't have the experience of playing in England. And that's something you absolutely need."The five-Test series begins at Headingley on June 20, followed by matches at Lord's (June 28), Trent Bridge (July 6), The Oval (July 14), and Old Trafford (July 24).