Moeen Ali Calls Virat Kohli’s Retirement a Major Boost for England

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has described Virat Kohli’s exit from Test cricket as a “massive blow” to the format, calling the Indian icon a “pioneer” whose energy and presence attracted crowds much like Sachin Tendulkar did during his era.

With India preparing to face a tough five-match Test series in England beginning June 20 at Headingley, Moeen noted that the loss of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma is a huge blow to the visitors — and a blessing for the English team.

It's a huge blow to Test cricket. Virat was that one pioneer, the one individual in Test cricket who continually challenged the format," Moeen said to Sky Sports. "He's done so much for the game, particularly in India. I think after Sachin, he was the man people came to see. He packed stadiums.

Reflecting on Kohli’s playing style and leadership, Moeen noted, “He had an amazing record, was a brilliant player to watch — very competitive and a brilliant captain. The style he played with inspired many. It’s a big blow not just for India, but for the game.”

Kohli, who guided India to many Test wins and is the nation's most successful Test captain, retired from the longest format earlier this week, along with veteran opener Rohit Sharma. Their retirement creates a leadership gap at a critical time, just ahead of the start of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship.

Moeen, who retired his own international career in 2023 but remains present in T20 leagues, recognized the benefit this news presents for England.

"Certainly, I think it's a huge uplift for England," Moeen claimed. "Two great players, who've come to England a couple of times on tour, so they know what it's about. I recall Rohit playing really well last time. The character they possess, the leaders they are — both of them have led India in Test cricket — so yeah, a huge blow for the team."

Rohit was at the center of India's performance on their 2021 England tour, scoring 368 runs with a heartwarming hundred in The Oval. Now that their two stalwarts are gone, India will have to start relying on newer faces and test new leadership in tough overseas conditions.

In the future, Moeen guessed that Shubman Gill could be the next in line to be Test captain, but he hasn't yet obtained experience leading India in the format.

I believe it will be Shubman Gill," Moeen opined. "Ideally, they (BCCI) would like Jasprit Bumrah to lead as he is a terrific leader who has led in the past. But due to his injury history, he may not be able to sustain throughout the series.

Gill, who is currently the captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, has yet to lead the national team in Tests and ODIs. Nevertheless, Moeen believes the 24-year-old possesses the cricketing brains to shoulder the responsibility, given the added hurdle of English conditions.

"They still have a very, very good captain in Gill — inexperienced yes, but good captain and good head," said Moeen. "But it will be tough. England is a difficult place for any visiting captain, and when it's your first time as captain, it's even tougher."

With a rejuvenated Indian side coming into the series without its two most experienced batters, Moeen believes the hosts are well placed, particularly with the benefit of home conditions and a settled team under the leadership of Ben Stokes and guidance of Brendon McCullum.

The omens are good for England to win the series," Moeen added, before sounding a warning: "But I would never under-estimate India or the talent they possess, especially with the bat. They still have fantastic players — they just don't have the experience of playing in England. And that's something you absolutely need.

The five-Test series will start on June 20 at Headingley, with matches at Lord's (June 28), Trent Bridge (July 6), The Oval (July 14), and Old Trafford (July 24).