Ex-English spinner predicts advantage England in Kohli-Rohit-less India

Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes that the absence of seasoned campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will tip the balance in England’s favour in the upcoming five-Test series against India.

The series, a crucial part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, is scheduled to be played from June 20 to August 4 across iconic English venues, Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord’s and The Oval (London), and Old Trafford (Manchester).

India will be stepping into their first bilateral Test series since the retirement of their batting stalwarts, Rohit and Kohli, who hung up their whites in May, just over a month before the high-stakes England tour.

Speaking to ANI ahead of the series, Panesar asserted that India’s inexperience in the absence of their veteran duo could make them vulnerable against a confident English side.

“England will benefit from the fact that Virat and Rohit are not playing. Their experience could have been used for India. But they (Team India) are inexperienced. What happens with inexperience?… How will India play against England? We know how England can play. It`s possible that India will collapse,” Panesar said.

The former left-arm spinner emphasised that India’s success will depend heavily on their adaptability to English conditions and the effectiveness of their bowling unit.

“India will have to play very smartly. They will have to adjust to the conditions. They will have to use the swing. They will have to use the seam movement. They will have to attack with bowling,” he advised.

On the bowling front, Panesar pinpointed Jasprit Bumrah as a major threat to England’s batting line-up, particularly at seamer-friendly venues. “Bumrah can be a big threat for England. Bumrah is a big factor. He will have to use it well. Old Trafford and Edgbaston are favourites for the seamer,” he noted.

Finally, Panesar expressed confidence in Shubman Gill’s leadership and maturity as he prepares to lead India for the first time in Test cricket. “I think Shubman Gill will be a good captain. He will bat well with responsibility,” he added.

(With ANI inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day