Kohli's absence a bigger blow than Rohit: Boycott

Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott weighs in on India's squad overhaul ahead of the upcoming five-Test series between India and England from tomorrow

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott has weighed in on India's squad overhaul ahead of the upcoming five-Test series, stating that Virat Kohli's absence is a more significant blow than Rohit Sharma's retirement.

Both senior Indian players called time on their Test careers last month, creating a major gap in the Indian batting lineup at the top and in the middle order. Kohli, 36, scored 9,230 runs in 123 Tests and was at fourth place in India's all-time list of run-scorers in the longer format.

"The retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hurts the chances of India beating England. Kohli is the biggest loss as he has been their best batsman and talisman in all three formats. With so much international cricket played by India, and so little rest, it takes its toll and the mind becomes fatigued.