IND vs ENG: 'Missing the monster', Virat Kohli! Fans recall '60 overs of hell' as India lose 1st Test vs England

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.

England win the opening Test by 5 wickets in Headingley#TeamIndia will aim to bounce back in the 2nd Test

Scorecard ?? https://t.co/CuzAEnBkyu#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/9YcrXACbHn

¡ª BCCI (@BCCI) June 24, 2025

Team India missing Virat Kohli?

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.

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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."

India is missing its biggest monster? pic.twitter.com/UBkiyjCXou

¡ª OM. (@Badpatch18) June 24, 2025

Another wrote, "Now people of this country will realise the actual value of Test captaincy."

Now people of this country will realise the actual value of test captaincy. pic.twitter.com/IabSlm8k1n

¡ª Kevin (@imkevin149) June 24, 2025

One commented, "Everyone misses the Virat Kohli Test era."

Everyone miss Virat Kohli Test Era

¡ª Satish Mishra ?? (@SATISHMISH78) June 25, 2025

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!"

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!@imVkohli @BCCI #INDvsENG #TestCricket#ViratKohli?

¡ª Rohit kumar jain (@Rkj_001) June 25, 2025

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."

BCCI should have talked with Kohli about removing him as a captain in white ball cricket. Teeno format ke liye 3 alag alag captain banana chahiye tha, test format se log dur ho rahe the Kohli ne logo test ko phir se dekhne ko majboor Kiya aise captain ko inhone respect nahi di.

¡ª Itz_Praveen4444 (@praveensai4444) June 25, 2025

IND vs ENG

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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