India’s five-wicket defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley has triggered strong reactions from former cricketers, with 1983 World Cup-winner Madan Lal joining the chorus of criticism.

Virat Kohli’s absence exposed two major gaps at Headingley

A key theme in the post-match debate was the absence of Virat Kohli due to retirement, whose on-field intensity and leadership were seen as crucially missing in India’s lacklustre Day 5 effort. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Madan Lal succinctly captured the sentiment of many: “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 remark echoed that of former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who had earlier pointed out on-air during the first game that that India lacked someone with Kohli’s fierce presence and aggressive energy. Shastri emphasized during commentary, “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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Sloppy fielding and lower-order collapse cost India at Headingley

India slumped to a demoralizing five-wicket defeat against England in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, under new captain Shubman Gill. Despite five Indian centurions, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, collapses from 430/3 to 471 and 333/4 to 364 in both innings allowed England to stay in the contest. The biggest letdown was the fielding, India dropped seven catches, with Jaiswal alone spilling four, three off Bumrah. England, led by Duckett’s 149 and Root’s unbeaten 53, chased down 371, India’s second-biggest failure in defending a fourth-innings target. India’s bowling, apart from Jasprit Bumrah, appeared flat and uninspired. Several fans also noted that Kohli’s absence wasn’t just about runs with the bat, it was about the fire and tenacity he brought to the entire team dynamic.

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