No Kohli, no Rohit: Shubman Gill’s India arrive in London to an empty reception

Dubai: There were no drums, no tricolours, no chanting fans — just a few security guards and silent airport corridors. That’s how Shubman Gill’s first tour as India’s Test captain began when the team touched down in London on Saturday. Not a single supporter showed up to welcome the squad, a stark contrast to the frenzied scenes that once followed the Indian team wherever they went.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a short arrival video on social media with the caption: “Touchdown UK. Team India have arrived for the five-match Test series against England.” Jasprit Bumrah, Gill, Arshdeep Singh, Rishabh Pant and Prasidh Krishna looked upbeat as they arrived in London ahead of the first Test on June 20 — but the enthusiasm on ground didn’t match the smiles on screen.

According to a video by journalist Vimal Kumar, there were “not even a single fan or media person” at the airport to receive the team — a moment that symbolised the fading star aura India once carried in the longest format.

It wasn’t long ago that fans in Adelaide climbed trees to catch a glimpse of Virat Kohli during what has turned out to be his final tour of Australia. The hype was so intense that the Indian team had to conduct a closed-door practice session. Just days ago, scenes from Bengaluru showed tens of thousands spilling onto the streets — some tragically — to celebrate Kohli’s IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Even in neutral venues like Dubai during the Champions Trophy, crowds lined up outside the ICC Academy, chanting and waiting hours to spot Kohli or Rohit Sharma boarding the team bus. But on Saturday in London, silence greeted a squad that, while talented, lacks the same magnetism.

Before departure, Gill acknowledged the big shoes he’s stepping into.

“I think there is pressure every time you play a match or start a tour,” he said in Mumbai. “Rohit and Virat are very experienced players, and it is very difficult to fill the space. But as a team, we have a lot of experience. We are not that inexperienced.”

Gill also admitted to feeling “overwhelmed” upon being named captain, adding that the team was yet to finalise its batting order. Whether he opens or drops to No 3 — and whether Yashasvi Jaiswal or Abhimanyu Easwaran partners him — remains to be seen.

This five-match series marks the start of India’s campaign in the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. It’s also a chance to win a Test series in England for the first time since 2007.

The expectations remain high — but the aura, for now, has dimmed.

Gone are the thunderous welcomes. In their place, a quieter journey begins — one where the bat will have to do the talking, and where Gill’s leadership will shape not just a team, but the very identity of India’s next Test era. A good Test series against England will bring the cheers back.