The 30-year-old wrist-spinner, known for his craft and late resurgence, credited much of his development to the leadership and mentorship of the very players whose absence will now be deeply felt in the Indian dressing room.
"I had an inkling that Ash bhai (Ravichandran Ashwin) might retire due to his body. I was shocked when Rohit bhai and Virat bhai retired," Kuldeep said in a conversation with The Indian Express panel. “You want your senior players to stay for big series such as this. The responsibility is taken by the seniors and the youngsters feel free. That’s how I used to feel. I’d approach them in case of any doubts.”
This sentiment resonates with many Indian fans, who have watched the trio of Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin dominate world cricket for over a decade. Their presence was not just about runs, wickets, or captaincy decisions — it was about the intangible morale and assurance they provided to younger players, players like Kuldeep.
Rohit Sharma: The Big Brother Influence
Kuldeep shared a particularly warm relationship with Rohit Sharma, describing him as an elder brother figure who supported him not just on the field, but off it too. Under Rohit's leadership, Kuldeep was part of the victorious squads for the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy — two landmark achievements for Indian cricket in recent years.
“I had a great understanding and bond with Rohit bhai. He used to look after me like an elder brother, even off the field,” Kuldeep recalled. “When bowling, he used to tell me clearly what he expected from me and whether I was delivering it or not. Sometimes he used to scold me as well — little things that always lifted me in bad times and took great care of me.”
Rohit’s approach, Kuldeep explained, was a blend of clarity and compassion. It was this exacting yet nurturing leadership that revived Kuldeep’s career when he was struggling for consistency and confidence. For Kuldeep, losing Rohit from the Test setup is not just about the captain stepping down — it’s about losing a personal mentor and support system.
Virat Kohli: The Mentor Behind the Debut
Kuldeep’s Test journey began under the watchful eye of Virat Kohli. Although Kohli didn’t play in Kuldeep’s debut match in 2017, he was the one who handed him his Test cap — a moment that would forever remain etched in the spinner’s memory.
“I made my Test debut under Virat Kohli. He did not play the match but he handed me the cap,” Kuldeep shared. “At that time, I was raw and not mature, but he handled me wonderfully, gave me the belief that I could be good in this format. He always supported me and I always enjoyed playing with him.”
Kohli’s aggressive and passionate approach to cricket rubbed off on Kuldeep, who has often spoken about the self-belief instilled in him during those formative years. The leg-spinner highlighted how Kohli’s backing made a world of difference during the early and uncertain phases of his career.
The Road Ahead: England Tour and New Leadership
Kuldeep is part of India’s squad for the upcoming five-match Test series in England — a tour known for testing the mental and physical resilience of subcontinental teams. With a strong IPL season for Delhi Capitals behind him, Kuldeep is now expected to be one of the senior bowlers leading the charge under new captain Shubman Gill.
Gill, still new to the captaincy role, will likely look to players like Kuldeep for experience and guidance — a full-circle moment for the spinner who was once in those very shoes, seeking clarity and confidence from his seniors.
In a way, Kuldeep’s journey mirrors the larger transition taking place in Indian cricket. A new generation is ready to take over, but the echoes of Rohit Sharma’s calm leadership and Virat Kohli’s fiery intensity will linger on. Their legacies, as seen through Kuldeep’s eyes, are not just about their performances, but the people they were behind the scenes — mentors, friends, and guiding forces.
A Moment of Reflection
For fans and players alike, the departure of Rohit and Kohli from Test cricket marks the end of an era. But for Kuldeep Yadav, it’s also a moment of gratitude — for the trust placed in him, for the lessons learned, and for the opportunity to now step up and be that mentor for someone else.
“Their shoes are impossible to fill,” Kuldeep admitted, “but I hope to carry forward their legacy in my own way.”
As Indian cricket evolves, stories like Kuldeep’s remind us that behind every wicket and every century lies a bond, a shared dream, and the unwavering support of teammates who become family.
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