As India stumbled by means of a tense Day 5 of run chase at Lord’s within the third Check of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, former England captain Nasser Hussain didn’t mince his phrases whereas summing up the void left by Virat Kohli’s retirement from Check cricket.
Nasser Hussain’s large name as Virat Kohli’s void felt in Lord’s run-chase
Hussain, talking from the Sky Sports activities commentary field because the guests started Day 5 at 58/4, careworn that India have been lacking the irreplaceable aura and calm of a seasoned chase-master.
“No Virat Kohli, he’s retired, he was the king of run chases. India have to discover a new one that can see them over the road,” Hussain mentioned.
Nasser Hussain on Virat Kohli #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/VIkkRPLMk1
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Hussain’s comment, delivered as KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant walked out on the fifth morning, instantly resonated with the unfolding drama on the sector. The aspect, chasing a modest goal of 193 to take a vital 2-1 lead within the five-Check collection, was all of the sudden a workforce trying to find composure and metal, qualities as soon as synonymous with Kohli in such high-stakes eventualities.
Kohli, who retired from Check cricket earlier this yr, constructed a legacy round thriving below stress—significantly when chasing. Typically referred to as the ‘Chase Grasp,’ his observe document in white-ball cricket is known, however even within the red-ball format, he introduced authority to unsure conditions. The present Indian lineup, nonetheless transitioning right into a post-Kohli period, has struggled to plug the management void in crunch phases.
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Kohli’s absence echoes loudly on Day 5 of Lord’s Check towards England
That vulnerability was on full show within the opening session of Day 5. India’s pursuit of 193 on the ultimate day at Lord’s shortly became a nightmare as England’s bowlers got here out firing. Jofra Archer delivered a peach to dismiss Pant, shattering his off stump with sheer tempo and seam motion, setting the tone for a dramatic collapse. Moments later, Rahul India’s high scorer was trapped lbw by Ben Stokes after a profitable evaluate, falling for a gritty 39. From 71/4, India slumped to 81/6, and the harm continued. Archer struck once more, this time eradicating Washington Sundar with a pointy return catch, pushing India additional into the abyss at 82/7.
England’s bowling was relentless, Archer’s tempo, Carse’s accuracy, and Stokes’ intelligent use of angles created fixed stress. The Indian batters seemed shell-shocked because the ball moved simply sufficient to check approach and temperament. With solely 90 runs wanted however simply three wickets in hand, India’s hopes now relaxation on Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy. England are in full management and shutting in on a well-known win on the House of Cricket. With the center and decrease order uncovered, the accountability shifted to Jadeja and Nitish Reddy, an untested pair in a cauldron of stress. It was precisely the form of state of affairs the place Kohli’s grit and unmatched chasing prowess had usually bailed India out previously.
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