India’s middle order has certainly been weakened thanks to the absence of a certain Virat Kohli who isn’t part of their ongoing Test series at home against England. Besides his batting prowess, the Indian team, as per Sanjay Manjrekar, is also missing Kohli’s ability to get the crowd behind the players when the opposition is dominating.
Manjrekar was on air on Day 2 of the 4th Test between India and England in Ranchi when he reacted to the tourists enjoying a dominating phase of play with Ollie Robinson bringing up a fine half-century in the company of a well-set centurion Joe Root.
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England resumed on their overnight total of 302/7 and looked quite comfortable despite India taking the second new ball in the first over of the morning itself.
“Virat Kohli is one of those guys. If the fielders are quiet, he’ll get the crowd to back the players and bring energy. When Kohli is out on the field, he gets that intensity going. India are missing him. There’s no one quite like him. He carries that energy,” Manrjekar said.
Dinesh Karthik, who was also on commentary duties agreed and added Kohli has the ‘uncanny knack’ of getting the crowd behind him.
Why Kohli Isn’t Playing in Ranchi?
Kohli is not part of the entire five-match Test series due to personal reasons. He was initially part of the series, having been named in the squad for the first two games. However, days before the series opener, BCCI announced that the batting superstar has withdrawn his name.
He then also decided to skip the remaining three Tests before it was revealed he’s become the father for the second time.
India Leading Series
England took a surprise lead in the five-match series after winning the Hyderabad Test inside four days. A stunned India bounced back to win in Vizag before storming to a record-breaking 434-run win in Rajkot to take 2-1 lead.
The 4th Test got underway from Friday in Ranchi with England being bowled out for 353 in their first innings after opting to bat first.
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