Indian leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has revealed that he has taken over Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s seat on the team bus, choosing to sit alongside veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The change symbolises India&rsquo;s ongoing leadership transition, following Rohit&rsquo;s retirement from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. With Shubman Gill now stepping in as the new Test captain, a fresh chapter is beginning for the Indian side.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Kuldeep confirmed the change in seating arrangements. &ldquo;Uspe main baithta hu (I sit there),&rdquo; he said.
However, Kuldeep was quick to clarify that while he may have physically taken Rohit&rsquo;s seat, he cannot take his former captain&rsquo;s place in the team. "I can never take Rohit bhai's place. It's just that I am spending more time with Jaddu bhai. It's important as a spinner for me because Ash bhai is not there. I have learnt a lot from him. When I started my cricket, I have played with both of them. Very lucky to have Jadeja as my spin partner. I am enjoying it," he explained.
The leadership reshuffle comes at a time when the squad is also adjusting to the absence of senior figures such as R Ashwin, whose retirement has placed greater responsibility on Jadeja. The seasoned all-rounder has featured in 12 Tests in England, while Kuldeep himself has limited experience in these conditions, having bowled just nine overs in his sole Test appearance on English soil.
With both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma having stepped away from the longest format, India&rsquo;s younger players now face the challenge of filling the considerable void left by their illustrious predecessors. The team will be tested in demanding overseas conditions, where coping with both the climate and swing-friendly pitches will require considerable skill and resilience from the batsmen. The spotlight will also be firmly on skipper Shubman Gill, whose overseas batting record has come under scrutiny in recent times.
"When the seniors go away, their absence is always felt. Virat bhai and Rohit bhai have done so much for the team. They will be missed, but it's also an opportunity for youngsters to perform well. But yes, I am sure everybody would be missing the seniors. But the youngsters are excited for the challenge. Batsmen are working very hard in the nets and preparing really well," Kuldeep added.
As India embarks on this transitional phase, all eyes will be on the next generation to prove their mettle and carry forward the legacy built by their predecessors.

Kuldeep: Can't take Rohit's place; learning from Jadeja with Ashwin not around

Kuldeep on Taking Rohit’s Bus Seat: ‘Uspe main baithta hu’

Kuldeep: Can't take Rohit's place; learning from Jadeja with Ashwin not around

June 16, 2025 | 14:53 IST

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