How Will the Absence of Rohit and Virat Impact India vs England?

New Delhi, June 17 (NationPress) The retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma signifies the dawn of a new chapter for the Indian cricket team, which is now under the leadership of Shubman Gill. Interestingly, the commencement of India’s new World Test Championship journey against England in Leeds on June 20 coincides with the anniversary of Kohli’s Test debut against the West Indies back in 2011.

Former England pacer Steve Harmison opines that the absence of Rohit and Virat provides a considerable mental advantage for the Ben Stokes-led England side. However, he also believes that this could inspire the Indian team to elevate their performance and play with greater unity.

“Their absence gives England a psychological edge. Although Rohit and Virat may not have been at their peak in recent years, their presence on the team sheet still carries substantial weight. Hence, their absence might also drive the team to step up their game,” Harmison stated.

“When iconic players leave, it can lighten the atmosphere in the dressing room, as others must take on more responsibility. This represents a challenge for the Indian squad,” he added.

“From England's perspective, while it is a boost not to see these legends, they still face a formidable Indian side. I expect a competitive series, but England may have the upper hand since it's being played on home soil,” Harmison conveyed during an exclusive interview with IANS, arranged by talkSPORT.

Despite the absence of Kohli and Rohit, India has seasoned players like K.L. Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, alongside the talents of Jasprit Bumrah and the youthful exuberance of Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant. Conversely, England features emerging talents such as Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, complemented by the experience of Joe Root and the world-class captaincy of Ben Stokes.

Additionally, the unusually dry weather in England this summer has become a topic of discussion. The series opener at Headingley in Leeds has seen minimal rainfall this year. Traditionally known as a bowler's haven, the decision to bowl first to take advantage of the conditions seems wise.

Harmison, who took 226 wickets in 63 Tests, provides insights on the optimal lines and lengths to bowl in England, particularly given the increasingly flat pitches and inconsistent weather.

“The ideal bowling lengths can vary widely across different venues in England. Sometimes, it’s more crucial to observe the sky than the pitch to anticipate how the ball might behave,” he remarked.

“During the World Test Championship final, we witnessed how the bowlers’ skills shone when clouds rolled in, while the same bowlers appeared less effective under clear skies. Teams must be patient and ready for these weather changes,” he noted.

“In England, bowlers often need to adopt a fuller length. While this can lead to being driven, particularly with a newer ball, it’s essential to challenge the off-stump. If the ball moves, it can create pressure on the batsman,” he explained.

Harmison anticipates a series filled with thrilling performances from batting line-ups but expressed hope for a bowler to clinch the Player of the Series award.

“While it’s set to be an entertaining series showcasing aggressive batting, the bowler who rises to the occasion will likely determine the outcome. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Man of the Series is a bowler, as they will be critical in this contest between two strong batting units,” he concluded.

Live cricket commentary for the India vs England series is available on the talkSPORT Cricket YouTube Channel.