India's defeat in the first Test at Headingley has drawn criticism from several former players, and one recurring theme has been the lack of intensity in the team with the absence of Virat Kohli. Not just as a batter but as a presence on the field.
Former World Cup-winning all-rounder Madan Lal joined the conversation on social media. He echoed Ravi Shastri's view that Kohli's intensity was sorely missed during a sluggish Day 5 effort.
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India lost the opening Test match by five wickets after England chased down 371 with remarkable ease. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett set the tone with a century partnership in the first session, followed by an unbeaten half-century from Joe Root, who sealed the match for the hosts.
What did Madan Lal say on Virat Kohli's absence?
Soon after the match, Madan Lal took to X and posted a one-liner: "We were missing the passion and intensity Virat Kohli brought to the game. Ravi Shastri was right."
We were missing the passion and intensity Virat Kohli brought to the game. Ravi Shastri was right.
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) June 24, 2025
His comment came just hours after Ravi Shastri had made a similar observation on commentary during Day 5. As India's bowlers failed to break through in the morning session, Shastri highlighted how Kohli used to energise the team.
Ravi Shastri calls out lack of aggression by Team India in Headingley
Speaking on-air, the former head coach said:
"India needs someone to do a Kohli job, someone who can be right at the face of the opposition. Someone has to be designated or given that role. There's not a single guy who can do it at the moment. Kohli could do it for three people."
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Shastri's comments were clearly not about batting alone. His emphasis was on Kohli's leadership style - his ability to pump up his teammates, rile up the opposition and keep energy levels high during tough sessions.
India’s bowling, apart from Jasprit Bumrah, looked flat and ineffective during the first Test. England's openers scored 117 runs in the first session without losing a single wicket.
With two losses in their last two matches at Edgbaston, India have plenty to think about ahead of the upcoming second Test.