India’s five-wicket defeat to England within the first Check at Headingley has triggered robust reactions from former cricketers, with 1983 World Cup-winner Madan Lal becoming a member of the refrain of criticism.
Virat Kohli’s absence uncovered two main gaps at Headingley
A key theme within the post-match debate was the absence of Virat Kohli because of retirement, whose on-field depth and management have been seen as crucially lacking in India’s lacklustre Day 5 effort. Taking to social media platform X (previously Twitter), Madan Lal succinctly captured the sentiment of many: “We have been lacking the fervour and depth Virat Kohli delivered to the sport. Ravi Shastri was proper,”
We have been lacking the fervour and depth Virat Kohli delivered to the sport. Ravi Shastri was proper.
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) June 24, 2025
His comment echoed that of former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who had earlier identified on-air in the course of the first recreation that that India lacked somebody with Kohli’s fierce presence and aggressive power. Shastri emphasised throughout commentary, “India wants somebody to do a Kohli job, somebody who will be proper on the face of the opposition. Somebody must be designated or provided that function. There’s not a single man who can do it in the intervening time. Kohli might do it for 3 individuals,”
Additionally READ: ENG vs IND: Prime 5 highest profitable chases by England in Check cricket
Sloppy fielding and lower-order collapse price India at Headingley
India slumped to a demoralizing five-wicket defeat towards England within the first Check at Headingley, Leeds, beneath new captain Shubman Gill. Regardless of 5 Indian centurions, together with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, collapses from 430/3 to 471 and 333/4 to 364 in each innings allowed England to remain within the contest. The largest letdown was the fielding, India dropped seven catches, with Jaiswal alone spilling 4, three off Bumrah. England, led by Duckett’s 149 and Root’s unbeaten 53, chased down 371, India’s second-biggest failure in defending a fourth-innings goal. India’s bowling, aside from Jasprit Bumrah, appeared flat and uninspired. A number of followers additionally famous that Kohli’s absence wasn’t nearly runs with the bat, it was concerning the hearth and tenacity he delivered to all the staff dynamic.
Additionally READ: Gautam Gambhir opens up on India’s fielding mishaps after Headingley defeat towards England
