India’s Test Transition Stumbles as Lamb Warns: “Win Every ICC Title or Bust” for Rohit, Gill Faces Heat

India’s Test squad is under scrutiny after a five-wicket loss to England in the opening match of their five-Test series at Headingley, marking a challenging start for captain Shubman Gill. This series, India’s first major Test outing since Virat Kohli’s Test retirement earlier this year, highlights the team’s transition phase. Without Kohli’s steady presence and with Rohit Sharma also stepping away from Tests, the young squad faces intense pressure to prove its mettle.

In contrast, India’s white-ball cricket is thriving. Led by Rohit Sharma, the team secured the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy in March 2025, rebounding strongly from the disappointment of the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final exit. These victories underline India’s dominance in limited-overs formats, with clear roles and consistent performances driving their success.

Former England cricketer Allan Lamb, speaking to PTI, praised India’s one-day prowess but raised concerns about their Test team. “In one-day cricket, India should win every competition,” Lamb said. “In Tests, they’ll lean heavily on Jasprit Bumrah, and Virat Kohli’s absence will hurt them significantly.”

Bumrah remains India’s key weapon in Tests, showcased by his recent five-wicket haul at Headingley. However, with his workload managed playing only three of the five Tests the team’s reliance on him is a growing concern. Kohli’s exit has also left a void in the middle order’s leadership and resilience, a gap not easily filled. Despite this, Gill showed promise, stepping into Kohli’s No. 4 role with a century in the first Test, offering hope for India’s evolving Test lineup.