With his scathing criticism of India’s recent batting collapse at Lord’s, former England pacer Steve Harmison has sparked controversy among cricket fans by arguing that the result may have been very different had Virat Kohli been in the starting lineup. Without holding back, the former cricket player declared, “Virat would’ve won it — no question about it.”
Even though India was well-positioned to chase down England’s total in the fourth innings of the Test, their second innings collapsed under pressure. Although there was a lot of criticism for the collapse, Harmison focused on Kohli’s lack of finishing instinct. On a cricket podcast, Harmison said, “He thrives on these moments.”
Kohli, who was absent from the game for personal reasons, is frequently praised for his poise and mental tenacity during crucial run chases. Harmison maintained that even when wickets started to tumble, his presence would have energised the dressing room and kept the chase moving. “Kohli is more aware of the distinction between playing to win and playing for runs than most people are.”
Many Indian fans concur that Kohli’s perseverance and leadership may have changed the tide, despite the fact that Harmison’s remarks have generated both support and criticism. As India regroups for the next fixture, the conversation around Kohli’s influence — even in absence — continues to dominate the cricketing world.
