IND vs ENG: Team India certainly felt the absence of Virat Kohli in Hyderabad Test, claims Anjum Chopra - Exclusive Interview

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England displayed a spirited performance in the second half of the inaugural Test in Hyderabad, stunning the favoured Indian team and securing victory within four days, thereby taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Ollie Pope's impressive 196-run innings and debutant Tom Hartley's seven-wicket haul in the second innings, despite his initial struggle in the first innings, were instrumental in England's triumph. Captain Ben Stokes' tactical acumen and sharp bowling from their spinners dismantled the Indian batting lineup during the chase of 231 runs.

Similarly, in the Pink Ball Test in Australia, the West Indies, despite having a relatively inexperienced bowling attack, managed to defeat the reigning world champions at their fortress, The Gabba in Brisbane.

In an exclusive conversation with myKhel, former Indian women's cricketer Anjum Chopra applauded both touring teams for their historic achievements. Regarding India's loss to England, despite initially having the upper hand under Rohit Sharma's leadership in the opening Test's first two days, Chopra, now a commentator, observed that India was outperformed in all aspects during the second innings by the tourists, who demonstrated learning from their mistakes.

However, Chopra noted that India failed to rectify their errors. She further emphasised that Team India felt the absence of their batting mainstay, Virat Kohli, who made himself unavailable in the first two games due to personal reasons. Here are the excerpts:

Q: How would you rate the two Test matches between IND vs ENG and AUS vs WI, considering India and Australia, the favourites, lost to England and West Indies, respectively, in their home grounds?

Ans: It was a commendable effort from the West Indies to defeat Australia at The Gabba, especially given their young and inexperienced side. It was gratifying to see them put up such a show against the World Champion Australian team. Kudos to their young pacer Shamar Joseph for his stellar performance and ending West Indies' 27-year-long drought for a win on Australian soil.

In Hyderabad, the English bowling attack was also relatively new and inexperienced, but the way Team India lost the game has left a bitter taste in our mouths.

Q: What, in your opinion, was the reason for India's defeat against England?

A: The approach of the English batters in both innings wasn't markedly different, but they appeared far more determined as the game progressed. Ollie Pope adapted brilliantly to the conditions, maintaining control throughout the second innings. However, the same couldn't be said about the Indian batters.

While our players have demonstrated character and adaptability in the past, it seemed lacking in this game, which is unexpected given their familiarity with such surfaces. Additionally, England's bowling in the fourth innings wasn't extraordinary; rather, they made adjustments based on learnings from the first innings. The lack of fluent partnerships, except for Ashwin and Bharat, made a notable difference for Team India.

Q: Did the Indian players fail to restrain their instincts in the first innings, as almost every set batter threw his wicket away while attempting an aerial shot due to their transition from white-ball cricket?

A: No, that's not the case. These players are seasoned professionals accustomed to switching between various formats. They possess ample experience and should focus on their game and strengths, seizing pivotal moments crucial in international cricket. The fourth innings demanded experience, and we had batters more seasoned in such conditions than the English. Unfortunately, we didn't adapt as effectively as expected in Hyderabad.

Q: Was Virat Kohli's absence felt by Team India in the Hyderabad Test?

A: Undoubtedly, Team India certainly felt the absence of Virat Kohli due to his exceptional skills. Kohli possesses a unique ability to adapt to various conditions, a quality that was notably lacking. To adapt the skill level of Kohli, how he adjusts to condition was lacking from the Indian batters in both innings of the first Test.

KL Rahul showcased his batting prowess in both innings, but having Kohli partnering with him could have altered the game significantly. This also serves as a response to critics questioning Kohli's place in T20s.

Q: Should selectors have included Cheteshwar Pujara in the squad as Kohli's replacement?

A: Cheteshwar Pujara's calibre and class should never hinge on the availability of another player. While Rajat Patidar was added to the squad as Kohli's replacement, the chosen playing eleven consisted of players who have their fair share of experience in batting under such conditions. While speculation often revolves around 'what if' scenarios, cricket doesn't operate in hypotheticals.

Despite Kohli or Pujara's absence, the Indian side was theoretically stronger, but England outplayed us, much like the previous England tour where we lost the opening Test in Chennai but came back strongly to win the remaining and clinch the series.

Q: What are your predictions on the outcome of this series?

A: The Vizag pitch is quite favourable for batting, and the ground itself is beautiful. While I'm unsure about the exact nature of the surface for the Test match, traditionally, it has been a good batting surface. With a long series ahead, I anticipate the tables turning in India's favour as well.

It will be intriguing to observe how the Indian team rebounds in this series. Undoubtedly, they'll need to demonstrate better character, they'll have to dig deep and emerge stronger in the upcoming matches. The lesson they got is don't leave it to the others when you can finish the job.