James Anderson Lauds India’s Young Batters, Says They Can Step Into Kohli and Rohit’s Big Shoes
England’s legendary fast bowler James Anderson has expressed confidence in India’s emerging batting talents, believing they have the skill, aggression, and temperament to step up and fill the massive void left by the recent retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket.
The Indian cricketing fraternity witnessed the end of an era as both Kohli and Sharma, two of the most iconic batters of their generation, announced their retirements from the longest format of the game within a week of each other.
The duo had already stepped back from T20 internationals in 2024 and will now only be seen in action for India in the One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Virat Kohli concluded a glittering Test career that spanned 123 matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85.
His record includes 30 centuries, making him one of the most prolific batters in modern-day cricket. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, played 67 Tests, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries to his name.
Both players have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket, and their absence from the red-ball format will be deeply felt.
Speaking on the podcast ‘talkSPORT’, Anderson was full of praise for the two stalwarts. “They are great players. Kohli, in particular, is one of the greatest Test batters the game has ever seen,” said the 42-year-old, who himself is a living legend of the sport with 704 Test wickets in 188 matches, in addition to 269 wickets from 194 ODIs.
Reflecting on the future of Indian Test cricket, Anderson acknowledged that the retirement of two senior-most players means a significant transition is underway.
“There’s going to be a new captain with Sharma stepping away. That’s a big change. These are enormous shoes to fill, no doubt about that,” he said.
However, Anderson appeared optimistic about India’s bench strength and the young talent waiting in the wings. “What stands out to me is the sheer depth and quality of talent in the Indian setup.
They’ve got some incredibly skilled and fearless youngsters who are ready to take on the challenge,” he noted.
Anderson highlighted the impact of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in shaping this new generation of cricketers. “The IPL has revolutionized the mindset of Indian players.
You just have to watch these guys play – they’re fearless, attacking, and ready to take on any challenge.
They’re being groomed in high-pressure environments, and that attitude is now being carried into Test cricket,” he said.
India and England are set to face each other in a highly anticipated five-match Test series starting June 20, which also marks the beginning of the 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle. Anderson believes this series will be a crucial test for both sides.
While England has their eyes set on the Ashes series in Australia later this year, Anderson cautioned against looking too far ahead. He stressed the importance of focusing on the immediate challenges, particularly the tough Indian side.
“It’s a massive year for us with the Ashes looming, but before that, we’ve got India – and that’s not a series you can take lightly,” Anderson emphasized.
“In the past, I’ve seen it happen where teams, including us, have started preparing mentally for the Ashes far too early, sometimes even 18 months in advance. That kind of mindset leads to neglecting the immediate contests in front of you.”
He added, “India, even when they’re playing away from home, are a very formidable side. They’ve got strength in both batting and bowling, and they’ll be eager to start the new World Test Championship cycle on a high note.”
As both teams gear up for a thrilling summer of red-ball cricket, all eyes will be on how India’s new-look Test side responds to the departure of two of its giants.
With the backing of legends like James Anderson, there’s a growing belief that the next generation is ready to carry forward the legacy.
