Anushka-Virat welcome Shubman-Rishabh to their London home

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli recently hosted Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Siraj at their London home. Though an informal get-together, the visit—just ahead of India’s clash with England at Headingley—carried significance, highlighting Kohli’s continued bond with the team.According to a report in RevSportz, just three days before India kicks off their five-match Test series against England, Virat Kohli played host to a few familiar faces. On their day off, June 16, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Siraj dropped by Kohli’s London home for a casual get-together. The relaxed catch-up followed an intense intra-squad warm-up in Kent and offered a glimpse of camaraderie ahead of the high-stakes series.With Kohli now retired from Test cricket and settled in England with his family, the meeting was quiet and informal—but meaningful. According to reports, it served as a much-needed morale boost for a young Indian side gearing up for life without two of its most experienced leaders.According to sources cited by the portal, the gathering wasn’t about strategy or selection debates. Kohli simply spent a few relaxed hours with key members of the squad—sharing stories, memories, and perspectives in an informal setting.

The gesture quietly underscored Kohli’s lasting influence on Indian cricket, even from beyond the dressing room. As Shubman Gill steps into the role of Test captain, he carries the weight of rising expectations. With Rohit Sharma also moving away from the longer format, this series marks the dawn of a new leadership era for Team India.Though the meeting stayed low-key and away from the cameras, its significance wasn’t lost on cricket fans. Whether or not Kohli appears at Headingley on match day, his quiet catch-up with the players served as a reminder—he may be done with Test cricket, but his presence and influence within the team remain as strong as ever.