"It's a shame they won't be there" - England all-rounder's massive statement on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

England seamer Chris Woakes has said that it would be a shame not to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play Test cricket anymore. Sharma and Kohli retired from Test cricket in May, leaving India with a need to rebuild their side from the start of the 2025-2027 WTC cycle.

Woakes, however, felt that the duo's retirements from the longest format did not mean that the Men in Blue would not pose a challenge for England in the five-Test series, starting at Leeds on June 20.

"Had some good battles with Virat and Rohit over the years. For the game itself, it is a shame that they won't be there. But Indian cricket has so much depth that players that come in, I am sure they will be of very high standard who would have proven themselves in some way or another.

"They'll be hard, regardless of the conditions, where you are playing them. Indian batters are always pretty good. It'll be a tough challenge," Woakes said on Friday (via ESPN Cricinfo).

Chris Woakes praises KL Rahul's performance on the opening day of 2nd unofficial Test

England Lions won the toss and opted to field first at Northampton on Friday. KL Rahul, who opened the batting for India A, stroked a 168-ball 116 to begin his tour on a high.

Chris Woakes, who opened the bowling for England Lions, praised the 33-year-old's knock on the surface, which he felt assisted the bowlers for most parts of the day.

"KL played really well. Good hundred on a wicket which did a bit all day, there was periods when it went quiet when there wasn't much in the wicket. I think it did a bit for most of the day," Woakes said.

The 36-year-old bowled 17 overs for England Lions on day one of the second unofficial Test against India A at Northampton, claiming figures of 3/50.