All eyes on Kohli

India is in top gear at the moment after the historic Test victory in Australia. Team India will look to continue the win streak when they meet England at home next month. Of course India will enjoy home advantage but to underestimate England’s prowess would we a grave error. For sure Kohli can’t take the series lightly after the heroics at the Gabba by the Ajinkya Rahane led side (“Buoyant India look to continue dominance in Tests at home against England,” Jan. 23, Gulf Today).

England last toured India four years ago and if the 2016 Test series is taken as a performance barometer, India stands in good stead. Kohli and his men pulverized the visiting side 4-0. Kohli piled up 655 runs at an average of 109.16 in the five-match Test series.

But that was four years ago and since then, India have lost a Test series in England, 4-1, along with series defeats in South Africa and New Zealand. If something the Men in Blue can crow about, then it will the two consecutive wins against Australia. And here comes the twist. The last win in Gabba does not go in Kohli’s favour, but Rahane. In fact under Kohli’s leadership India slumped to their lowest ever score of 36 in the first Test in Adelaide, before stand-in skipper Rahane led the side to the stupendous victory.

Kohli who took a break to welcome his first born has returned and all eyes will be on him. Can he deliver, is the question which will be playing large on the minds of Indian fans. Let’s hope he does.

Wilson Benedict — By email