‘Someone in the Indian batting line-up will stand up’ – Stuart Broad shows confidence in Kohli-less India

Amid the ongoing Test series between India and England, the absence of star Indian batter Virat Kohli has left a void in India’s batting lineup. He initially opted out of the first two Test matches due to personal reasons but later made himself unavailable for the remaining three Test matches.

Former England pacer, Stuart Broad, acknowledged the disappointment around Kohli’s absence. His withdrawal has levied additional pressure on the Indian team as they strive to maintain their dominance on home soil.

“It’s a shame for the series that he will be missing but India have won the last Test. Kohli is such a quality player, his passion, his fire, but obviously, personal matters always take precedence. But it gives a great opportunity to young players also. So someone in the Indian batting line-up will stand up at some stage,” Broad told IANS.

Broad’s observation underscores the resilience and depth present within the Indian batting lineup. Despite Kohli’s absence, India showcased their potential in the last Test in Visakhapatnam, securing victory by 106 runs.

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Stuart Broad praises England’s Bazball strategy

As India prepares for the third Test in Rajkot, the return of experienced players such as KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja could provide stability and guidance to the team. Their presence, coupled with young talents, promises an intriguing battle against the English side.

Reflecting on England’s performance in the series so far, Broad emphasised the effectiveness of the Bazball ideology, referring to the resilient and adaptable nature of the team’s approach. He praised England’s triumph in the first Test in Hyderabad, overcoming a substantial first-innings deficit of 190 runs. According to Broad, this victory showcased the versatility of the English team, proving that their strategic mindset could thrive in diverse conditions against formidable opponents.

“I love it. The series is one-all (1-1) at the moment, but I think Bazball has proven that it can work in every country. I think Hyderabad’s performance is the most impressive performance of the England team. We won in Pakistan 3-0, we played well in New Zealand. So Bazball is a mentality that is driving the game forward”, the 37-year-old concluded.