Despite rain in the forecast, play on Day 5 of the 1st Test between India and England continued without disruption at Headingley, Leeds. The hosts needed 254 runs in 66 overs on the final day, while India were desperate for an early breakthrough. In a stunning turn, the English side chased down the target of 371 to win by five wickets, handing India a painful defeat despite a dominant batting display.
India became the first team in Test history to lose a match after scoring five centuries. Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134) struck hundreds in the first innings, while KL Rahul (137) and Pant (118) added to the tally in the second. The record-breaking effort with the bat ultimately couldn¡¯t prevent a historic loss in the series opener.
While India's batting was never in question, it was their bowling, fielding, and overall on-field mentality that drew criticism. Many recalled the last time Virat Kohli was captain, and how his iconic words - "Give them 60 overs of hell" - had fired up the entire team.?
Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to express how the spark and aggression seemed missing from Team India. Several users reminisced about how Kohli's mere presence on the field used to energise the squad.
One said, "India is missing its biggest monster."
Another wrote, "Now people of this country will realise the actual value of Test captaincy."
One commented, "Everyone misses the Virat Kohli Test era."
Another said, "India clearly missed Virat Kohli in the last Test against England. His intensity, experience, and hunger are unmatched. Time for the King to make a roaring comeback and bring stability back to the team!"
One added, "BCCI should have spoken to Kohli before removing him from white-ball captaincy. There should have been three separate captains for each format. People had lost interest in Test cricket, but Kohli brought them back. Such a captain deserved more respect."
After England's record 371-run chase in the series opener, pressure mounts on India to make a comeback. The second Test will take place on July 2 at Edgbaston, giving both sides time to regroup before the next battle.?
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