England seamer Chris Woakes said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement is a big loss for cricket. Both players retired from the longest format in May, leaving India with the challenge of rebuilding their team as they enter the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle.

However, Woakes feels that even though the duo has retired, India are still be a formidable opponent.

“I’ve had some great contests with Virat and Rohit over the years. It’s unfortunate for the game that they won’t be around anymore. However, Indian cricket has such great depth that the players coming in will undoubtedly be of a very high standard, having proven themselves in one way or another.

“They’ll be tough opponents, no matter the conditions or where you’re playing against them. Indian batters are always strong, so it’s going to be a challenging task,” Woakes said on Friday (via ESPN Cricinfo).

On Friday in Northampton, England Lions won the toss and opted to bowl first. KL Rahul, who opened the batting for India A, scored a well compiled 116 off 168 balls.

Chris Woakes, who opened the bowling for England Lions, praised the 33-year-old’s innings.