1983 World Cup winner explains what India lacked most at Headingley without Virat Kohli – ENG vs IND, Test series

India‘S Five-Wicket Defeat To Engine In the First Test at Headingley has triggered strong reactions from form Cricketers, with 1983 World Cup-Winner MADAN LAL Joining the Chorus of Criticism.

Virat Kohli’s absence exhibition Two Major Gaps at Headingley

A Key Theme in the post-Match Debate was the absence of Virat Kohli Due to retirement, Whose on-Field Intensity and Leadership Were Seen as Crucially Missing in India’s Lacklustre Day 5 effort. Taking to Social Media Platform X (Trainly Twitter), Madan Lal Sucinctly Captured The Sensation of Many: “We Were Missing the Passion and Intensity Virat Kohli Busht to the Game. Ravi Shastri Was Right,”

We Were Missing the Passion and Intensity Virat Kohli Busht to the game. Ravi Shastri Was Right.

– Madan Lal (@Madanlal1983) June 24, 2025

His Note Echoed That of Form India Head Coach Ravi shastriWho Had Earlier Pointed Out On-Air During the First Game that that India Lacked Someone with Kohli’s Fierce Presence and Aggressive Energy. Shastri Emphasized During Commentary, “India Needs Someone to do a Kohli Job, Someone who can be right at the face of the opposition. Someone has been designated or give that role. There’s not a single guy who can do it at the moment. Kohli could do it for three people.

Also Read: Eng vs ind: Top 5 Highest successful chases by England in test cricket

Sloppy Fielding and Lower-Order Collapse Cost India at Headingley

India Slumped to A Demoralizing Five-Wicket Defeat Against England in the First Test at Headingley, Leeds, Under New Captain Shubman gill. Despite Five Indian Centurions, included Yashasvi jaiswal and Rishabh pantcollapses from 430/3 to 471 and 333/4 to 364 in Both innings Allowed England to the Contest. The Biggest Letdown was the Fielding, India Dropped Seven Catches, With Jaiswal Alone Spilling Four, 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 Target. India’s Bowling, apart from Jasprit bumrahAppeared Flat and Uninspired. Several Fans also Naded that Kohli’s absence was just about Runs With the Bat, It was about the Fire and Tenacity He Busht to the Entire Team Dynamic.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir OpenS Up On India’s Fielding Mishaps After Headingley Defeat Against England