As anticipation builds for the five-match Test series between India and England, former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton have cast doubt on India’s chances, citing the absence of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as a major setback.
Speaking ahead of the series opener at Headingley, Hussain predicted a 3-1 victory for England, emphasizing the home side’s strong record and India’s transitional phase.
“England have a very good record at home, and India will miss the runs and experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli,” Hussain wrote in his column for Mail Sport.
Atherton echoed similar sentiments on Sky Sports, stating that India’s young squad, led by Shubman Gill, may struggle to fill the void left by its stalwarts.
“It’s not easy to move on from players of that stature without one or two stumbles,” Atherton said, backing England to capitalize on home advantage.
🏏 India’s Transition and England’s Edge
With Kohli and Rohit retiring from Test cricket in May, India enters the series with a relatively inexperienced lineup. While talents like Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and KL Rahul remain, the leadership and batting depth will be tested against a confident Ben Stokes-led England.
The series also marks the beginning of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy and the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, adding further stakes to the contest.
Stay tuned for live updates from Headingley.
