India, May 12 -- The Indian Test team stands at a turning point. With Rohit Sharma confirming his retirement from Test cricket and Virat Kohli communicating to the BCCI that he too wishes to step away from the longest format, the leadership mantle is now up for grabs, but not without complications. A phase of generational shift, previously predicted but now abruptly accelerated, has thrust selectors into crisis mode with just weeks to go before the England series.

Last week, Rohit closed the curtain on his Test career, ending an era that saw him evolve from a flamboyant opener to a steadying captain. The announcement marked the first domino in a series of exits. By Saturday, it emerged that Kohli, too, had expressed his intention to quit...