'They Will Miss The Aura' Warning Issued As Virat Kohli's Absence Begins

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-06-11 18:31:52 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-10 01:26:36

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The absence of Virat Kohli and the aura he brings may hurt India in the upcoming England Test matches. This is the warning conveyed by Ollie Pope, who faces India in the first match of the Pataudi Trophy on Thursday.

"Everyone knows how good Virat is -- the way he strides around, the aura he has around him. They won't be easy shoes to fill," Pope told reporters. "They have a very talented group of players but they are quite young and don't have that much of experience yet. Virat is a world-class player, everyone knows that. They will miss the aura that he brings," he warned.

Kohli, a former captain, has amassed 726 runs in seven Test matches in England, averaging almost 59. He is currently in a transitional period of his career, preparing for his landmark 100th Test match at home against Sri Lanka in October.

This opens an opportunity for Shubman Gill, a promising young talent, to fill Kohli's shoes at the top of the innings. Gill has been in good form, scoring a century and a fifty in the ongoing India vs New Zealand Test match. However, the 22-year-old has yet to be tested in overseas conditions.

England is anticipating a strong performance from Gill, who impressed during his debut Test tour to Australia last year. England is also banking on their own talented young players, like Pope, to help secure the series.

"It is not gonna be an easy thing to do . We know how good they are at home. They are probably the best team in the world in these conditions," said Pope. "But having said that, I don't think we'll be lacking in confidence."

England has a chance to cement their position as one of the greatest Test teams today. All eyes are on both Pope and Gill as they lead their teams against each other in the first Test match at the prestigious Lords venue.

Go!