'No one in bigger than the game...': Former India cricketer backs India's future without Virat Kohli

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Virat Kohli was the driving force behind Test cricket, and his retirement from the format created a significant void. At a time when the spotlight was shifting toward T20Is, Kohli played a crucial role in bringing Test cricket back into focus. His attacking style with the bat and bold leadership reignited fan interest, reinforcing Test cricket's status as the pinnacle of the game.

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes that while Virat Kohli's absence will certainly be felt in Test cricket, it won't impact the format's popularity. Ashwin emphasized that the essence of the game goes beyond any individual, stating that it's the sport that shapes the players not the other way around.

"I do not think anybody who has played the game, or will play the game, is higher than the game itself. Nobody that walks the park does good for the game - the game does good or bad by them," Ashwin told RevSportz

"I love Virat, but he has come, played the game, left the game, left it at a great place. And now, it is for someone else to take it forward," Ashwin said.

Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket just days after Rohit Sharma called time on his red-ball career. Following these Shubman Gill was appointed as the new captain, with Rishabh Pant named his vice-captain. Ashwin remarked that it is now the responsibility of the next generation of Indian players to carry forward the legacy left behind by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

"Now looking forward to the attitude and desire of talents like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel to take it ahead. It's time to see if they can replicate the intense energy that players like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar showed on the field all these years. Having said that, it is everyone's responsibility in the team to show that energy and desire," he added.