India, June 8 -- As India begin a new era in Test cricket without two of its biggest icons, Ricky Ponting has weighed in on the transition, offering both reassurance and perspective. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now retired from the longest format, all eyes turn to a younger leadership core led by Shubman Gill, as India prepares to take on England in a five-match series starting June 20 at Headingley.

Ponting, who has watched Indian cricket evolve closely through the IPL, believes India are better equipped than most nations to absorb the loss of such monumental players.

"It's always very difficult to replace players like that who have been around for so long and have played so much Test cricket. But if any country can do it quickly...