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New Delhi: After legendary cricketers and Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their Test retirements just days apart former all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concern suggesting that challenging times lie ahead for the Indian team. “We were in the middle of the KKR-CSK game when Rohit announced his retirement and now today Virat as well” said Ashwin in the latest episode of *Ash ki Baat* on YouTube. “I had been hearing about Virat’s possible retirement for the past couple of days but I’m sure the BCCI must have spoken to him too. That’s a personal conversation and obviously it’s not something I’d reveal here.” I honestly had no idea that both of them would retire so suddenly. These are going to be testing times for the Indian cricket team he added. Ashwin mentioned that this marks the beginning of a new era under head coach Gautam Gambhir. He highlighted Gambhir’s challenging start referencing a heavy defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia a Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand and a white-ball series loss in Sri Lanka after taking over from Rahul Dravid. Ashwin with 106 Test matches to his name also expressed support for premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah as a potential candidate for India’s next Test captain. I would definitely say it is the beginning of the Gautam Gambhir era Ashwin said. The team that Gambhir will take to England for the five-Test series will be an entirely new and transformed side where Jasprit Bumrah could possibly be the most senior player in the squad. Obviously he is also a strong option for the captaincy role Ashwin added. I believe he deserves to lead the side but the final decision will rest with the Indian selectors who will consider his physical workload and fitness before making a call. Many reports suggest that Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to take over as the new Test team captain. The senior selection committee headed by former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar believes that the 25-year-old Gill is the ideal candidate to succeed Virat Kohli. Before making an official announcement the selectors are expected to consult with the BCCI on the decision. If appointed Gill’s first major challenge as Test captain will be leading India in the five-match Test series in England. It was earlier mentioned that Jasprit Bumrah Indias vice-captain and fast bowling leader is unlikely to be given a leadership role during the upcoming Test series in England which begins at the end of June. Despite leading India to their only Test victory on the Australia tour earlier this year Bumrah is expected to manage his workload carefully and is unlikely to play in all five Test matches in England. As a result the selectors will have to choose an alternative captain for the series.