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Former all-rounder Moeen Ali claimed that the absence of Indian batting mainstays Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the Test series in England would give the hosts a “massive boost” and that Shubman Gill would be the most likely candidate to captain the team for the demanding five-match tour that starts next month.

India will be without two of its most seasoned players for the series, which also marks the start of the 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle, after Rohit and Virat declared their retirements from Test cricket.

“Unquestionably, I believe it will greatly benefit England. Two elite players have the experience since they have visited England on tour a few times. The last time they were in England, Rohit played pretty well, I recall. The former England all-rounder, who retired from international cricket last year but is still playing in regional T20 competitions, including the IPL, told Sky Sports, “It’s a huge loss for the team because of the character they have, the leaders they are, and both of them have captained India in Test cricket.”

Gill would be a “very good” candidate to lead India despite his lack of experience as captain in the longest format, according to Moeen, who played 68 Test matches and showed his all-around skills by capturing more than 200 wickets with his off-spin and scoring over 3,000 runs.

Gill has never led India in the longest format or ODIs, despite being the clear favorite to take over as captain after Rohit’s retirement from Test cricket.

“I believe Shubman Gill will win. Since Jasprit Bumrah is an accomplished leader and a great captain, the BCCI would like him to be named captain.

“However, given his history of injuries, he may not be able to play the whole series. I believe they’ll hand the leadership to someone who has performed well in Test cricket so far. Gill is the captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, so they still have a very strong leader. He may be inexperienced, but he has a good head and is a decent captain, but it will be difficult (under England conditions),” Moeen said.

Gill should be prepared for the difficulties that new captains encounter in English circumstances, according to Moeen, if he is appointed captain.

“England presents a challenge to every team that visits, and it’s extremely challenging if you’re captaining the squad for the first time. Therefore, I believe that England will win the series, but I would never undervalue India or their batting prowess in particular.”

However, their talented players lack the experience that comes with playing in England, which is something that England needs. I believe England has a fantastic opportunity.

Moeen referred to Kohli as a “pioneer” in Test cricket and said that Sachin Tendulkar was the only player who could draw a larger audience.

“Kohli’s retirement is a huge setback for Test cricket. In Test cricket, he was the only trailblazer and the only player who consistently promoted the format. Fantastic career, fantastic player.

“He has significantly improved the game, particularly in India. He packed stadiums and was, I believe, the person that everyone came to see after Sachin Tendulkar. Fantastic record, and a great player to watch. He was an excellent captain and played in a highly competitive manner. “A serious setback to Test cricket,” he said.