As India stumbled through a tense Day 5 of run chase at Lord’s in the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, former England captain Nasser Hussain didn’t mince his words while summing up the void left by Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket.
Nasser Hussain’s big call as Virat Kohli’s void felt in Lord’s run-chase
Hussain, speaking from the Sky Sports commentary box as the visitors began Day 5 at 58/4, stressed that India were missing the irreplaceable aura and calm of a seasoned chase-master.
“No Virat Kohli, he’s retired, he was the king of run chases. India need to find a new one that will see them over the line,” Hussain said.
Nasser Hussain on Virat Kohli #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/VIkkRPLMk1
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Hussain’s remark, delivered as KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant walked out on the fifth morning, immediately resonated with the unfolding drama on the field. The side, chasing a modest target of 193 to take a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-Test series, was suddenly a team searching for composure and steel, qualities once synonymous with Kohli in such high-stakes scenarios.
Kohli, who retired from Test cricket earlier this year, built a legacy around thriving under pressure—particularly when chasing. Often called the ‘Chase Master,’ his track record in white-ball cricket is legendary, but even in the red-ball format, he brought authority to uncertain situations. The current Indian lineup, still transitioning into a post-Kohli era, has struggled to plug the leadership void in crunch phases.
Kohli’s absence echoes loudly on Day 5 of Lord’s Test against England
That vulnerability was on full display in the opening session of Day 5. India’s pursuit of 193 on the final day at Lord’s quickly turned into a nightmare as England’s bowlers came out firing. Jofra Archer delivered a peach to dismiss Pant, shattering his off stump with sheer pace and seam movement, setting the tone for a dramatic collapse. Moments later, Rahul India’s top scorer was trapped lbw by Ben Stokes after a successful review, falling for a gritty 39. From 71/4, India slumped to 81/6, and the damage continued. Archer struck again, this time removing Washington Sundar with a sharp return catch, pushing India further into the abyss at 82/7.
England’s bowling was relentless, Archer’s pace, Carse’s accuracy, and Stokes’ clever use of angles created constant pressure. The Indian batters looked shell-shocked as the ball moved just enough to test technique and temperament. With only 90 runs needed but just three wickets in hand, India’s hopes now rest on Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy. England are in complete control and closing in on a famous win at the Home of Cricket. With the middle and lower order exposed, the responsibility shifted to Jadeja and Nitish Reddy, an untested pair in a cauldron of pressure. It was exactly the sort of scenario where Kohli’s grit and unmatched chasing prowess had often bailed India out in the past.
